It has now been confirmed – the Open Approved Permit (AP) policy for the import of used cars is set to remain in Malaysia, as announced by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). Following a comprehensive research, a new set of improvements will be set in place from January 1, 2017 onwards.
In the statement, MITI adds that the improvements to the current system would allow “eligible new bumiputera companies that strictly adhere to the criteria to participate” in the used car business. To ensure compliance, a qualified and independent auditor will be selected to audit the new companies involved.
“The government will (also) launch a programme to use a portion of the open AP fees to enable the public to directly benefit from this new policy. The details of this programme will be announced later,” said MITI.
Findings of the research into the current AP system, covering the analysis of its effects, contributions and implications to the industry, were also revealed.
“The research team opined that the current Open AP system gives opportunities to the public to purchase used imported cars at a competitive price. They also found that the distribution and importation of used cars industry contributed significantly to the automotive industry and the country’s socio-economic development,” said MITI in the statement.
It went on to add that the system’s contributions to the supporting business and service sectors such as banking, insurance, shipping and logistics was estimated to be in the region of RM450 million per year. The government also collected about RM2 billion worth of taxes and fees per year, based on the current system.
Furthermore, the study found that the AP system directly provided job opportunities to 3,800 high- and medium-income earners. Meanwhile, it’s said that the policy contributed to 5% out of the 36% bumiputera equity in the automotive sector.
The research was conducted over six months, and involved accounts and opinions of industry players, consumer associations, NGOs and politicians. As mentioned above, the study recommended that the current policy be continued.
MITI went on to warn that, “if the system were (to be) discontinued, there would be no more used imported cars allowed into the country and this would deny many people the opportunity to buy such cars. Also, the percentage of bumiputera equity participation in the automotive sector would reduce to 31%.”
The Open AP policy was supposed to be discontinued by December 31, 2015, under NAP 2009. The NAP 2014 announcement, however, mentioned that an in-depth study on the impact of the termination of Open APs would be carried out. The study has now been completed, as described above.
So folks, it’s now certain that the Open AP policy will indeed remain, with improvements to come in 2017. What do you think of this decision?
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
nabill (Member)
on 
angah
on 
Keith
on 
George Abdul
on 
Chibai
on 
Sam VHL Loo
on 
Albert
on 
Honda Fan
on 
UbahBird
on 
OMG
on 
jolly_idiot (Member)
on 
sadf
on 
Cronnie
on 
pwtc
on 
BasMini 32
on 
Daniel
on 
oei or yu
on 
DPCraft
on 
Jenglot
on 
Add-A-Comment
on 
wajatua
on 
Consumer
on 
Black
on 
Low Budget
on 
Billionaire Donor
on 
t2357s
on 
kenot
on 
Sammy Loo
on 
Sam loo's friend
on 
intermilan
on 
albag
on 
Alvin
on 
Dudette
on 
Oh mak lu cina
on 
Daim4yelo mania
on 
The Saint
on 
Kautim Satu Malaysia
on 
Aero (Member)
on 
Donkey J
on 
K2
on 
jc
on 
Ajinomoto
on 
CRZ for life
on 
Lok
on 
pok mang
on 
AP Land
on 
ABC
on 
anon
on 
karim
on 
Waters
on 
Ootai
on 
Sam Loo ( ori1 )
on 
hadi75
on 
Punaisihat
on 
Tan Yu Sing
on 
ioma
on 
DK
on 
FIST (Member)
on 
Sam Loo ( ori1 )
on 
haro
on 
batumudo
on 
AI-generated Summary ✨
The comments express widespread dissatisfaction with Malaysia's AP system, viewing it as an outdated, corrupt, and race-based policy that benefits a privileged few, mainly cronies and certain bumiputera groups, at the expense of the rakyat. Critics argue it inflates car prices, fosters corruption, and perpetuates racial discrimination, with many calling for its abolition and emphasizing market-driven reforms. Some suggest boycotting grey imports to force change, while others criticize the government’s slow or futile efforts at improvement, viewing the policies as benefiting elites rather than the populace. Several comments highlight ongoing issues of high costs, safety compromises, wealth destruction, and that such policies hinder national progress, suggesting the system is a long-standing, entrenched form of exploitation that needs urgent reform.