KUALA LUMPUR: Those criticising the locally-developed air mobility initiative must be far-sighted and move in tandem with the latest technological advancement, said Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof.
“They can choose whether to continue to be left behind…to be in denial. They can ride in cars made from bamboo,” he quipped.
He said that although the government viewed criticisms as a norm, it would continue to support private initiatives to develop advanced technology.
“Criticisms are normal, that’s why we need to focus on the development of human capital.
We do not want half (the critics) to be left behind, they can choose to stay and be in a state of denial.
“We support private initiatives, we have to create a conducive environment where private initiatives will propel the country’s economy for the long-term and also develop our soft skills in advanced technology,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday.
He said this when asked to comment on criticisms by netizens regarding a model of the air mobility vehicle by a local company that was displayed at the 2019 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA’19).
The Vector, as the flying vehicle is known, is reported to be powered by four motors and a lithium-ion battery.
It can also carry a load of about 150kg-200kg and fly about 50 metres above ground level at 60kph, with 30 up to 90 minutes of flying time.
Mohd Redzuan said a prototype of the air mobility vehicle was being developed by local youths involving private sector funding only.
“Actually, our youths have moved far ahead and on par with those at the international level,” he said.
The Minister said the technology being developed was only for industrial use and not for sale to the public.
Mohd Redzuan said many outside parties had contacted the ministry to get more information on the prototype’s development.
Earlier, he told the Dewan Rakyat that the government proposed to draft special laws to stimulate and boost the development of the air mobility industry in the country.
He said the air mobility service industry was a new entrepreneurial field with a high potential in local and international markets as well as the ability to offer more business opportunities to local entrepreneurs. — Bernama