Jumlah AP bertambah 4 kali ganda, kata Johari

Menteri Pelaburan, Perdagangan dan Industri, Johari Ghani, revealed that the number of open application permit (AP) holders has quadrupled, rising to 414 companies as of now, compared to 107 in 2019. This expansion aims to increase opportunities for more Bumiputera entrepreneurs, including those without prior automotive industry experience.

The Ministry implemented a screening process for open AP applications to ensure only capable and financially sound companies receive approval. Some applicants who received APs have had their permits revoked due to Ali Baba's practice, resulting in stringent scrutiny during the assessment process. There are 28 industries in Malaysia, raising the question of how the government can provide AP to any entity.

Johari emphasized the need to maintain industry responsibility after granting these permits, responding to Lim Lip Eng's question about reviewing the AP permits to protect ordinary Bumiputera entrepreneurs instead of enriching a few. The Ministry allocated RM30 million to Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) to provide financing facilities for relevant entrepreneurs, with loan amounts ranging from RM1 million to RM3 million depending on the company's needs.

Many talented and young individuals lack partners and capital, often seeking partners to run their businesses. They possess sales skills and established customer relationships, which the government plans to assist.