| Government Not Considering APs For Six New Companies, Dewan Rakyat Told |
|
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir on Tuesday denied that the government was considering issuing approved permits (APs) for import of vehicles to six new companies.
It would be pointless to issue APs to new companies when the AP system was to be scrapped in 2015, he said when replying to a supplementary question from Fong Kui Lun (DAP-Bukit Bintang).
Mukhriz said so far only 98 companies had been issued with APs although at one time more than 200 companies enjoyed the facility, adding that the APs for 156 companies were cancelled for failing to meet conditions.
Fong had also wanted to know why the government did not use an open tender system for the import of vehicles, saying the government could earn revenue of RM2.5 billion annually compared to only RM30 million with the RM10,000 payment imposed on each AP.
Mukhriz said the government adopted the system because it was in accordance with agreements the government had signed at the international level.
Replying to the original question, from Datuk Ismail Kasim (BN-Arau), Mukhriz said the ministry had conducted an audit of all the AP holders to ensure that all companies adhered to the conditions of approval.
Ismail had wanted to know what the government was doing on the alleged issue of APs to those who did not even have a vehicle showroom.
Muhkriz said the audit showed up, among other things, shortcomings in terms of administrative management and documentation by a number of open AP holders.
"However, the audit also found that AP holders had showrooms and five companies had diversified into the automotive sector such as assembly of cars and motorcycles.
"Many open AP holders were also distributors of new vehicles under brand names such as Honda, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, Proton and Perodua," he said.
-- BERNAMA
|
|
|