By Nigel Edgar
KUCHING, June 7: Member companies of Association of Malay Importers and Traders of Motor Vehicles Malaysia (Pekema) Sarawak have endured difficult time since 2017, with sales declining up to 80 per cent.
According to its chairman Tan Sri Abang Khalid Abang Marzuki, members have been having a hard time landing sales especially this year, with some only managed to sell 20 units of vehicles per month.
Some were even hit harder, with sales as low as only three units per month this year.
“This is because of the economic slowdown, where the customers are not keen on buying new cars, unlike 10 to 15 years ago,” he told reporters at his Hari Raya open house on this evening, before the visit of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Khalid pointed out the rising cost of sold vehicles, especially Japanese models, being another factor that affected sales of Pekema member companies.
“Now we have to compete (selling Japanese cars) because we cannot buy them cheap anymore,” he said.
However, Abang Khalid was optimistic that 2020 would be a better year for Pekema member companies, as the economy is expected to improve. — DayakDaily
