Minister To Take Test Ride In Flying Car On Thursday

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A model of a prototype “flying car” which was shown to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the Lima air show in March.KUALA LUMPUR: Entrepreneur Development Minister Redzuan Yusof is to take a test ride in Malaysia’s “flying car” on Thursday, and he invited opposition MPs to witness the test run of the vehicle, also known as the air mobility platform
Speaking at the Dewan Rakyat today, Redzuan said: “I want to repeat my invitation to the respected MPs. This Thursday, I myself will be riding the flying vehicle or two-man vehicle
“I invite Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar) if he wants to come. If he wants to take pictures while sitting on it as it flies, we can sit together,” he said
At this, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof compalined in jest that he had not been invited to view the test run, drawing laughter from the benches
Redzuan replied: “If we have time and there’s no session after 2pm please come to Subang.”The “flying car” project, by a private Malaysian company, was announced at the Langkawi air and maritime show earlier this year and drew derision and sarcastic comments on social media and scepticism from opposition MPs
In March, the vehicle’s developers, Aerodyne Group, said the car, known as Vector, is a drone powered by four motors running off a lithium-ion batteryIt is expected to carry a load of up to 150-200kg and will be able fly about 50m above ground level at 60km/h for between 30 and 90 minutes
The vehicle could be used to transport people and cargo and also be used for surveillance, the company said
Redzuan told the Dewan Rakyat that Malaysians were “hesitant followers” when it came to embracing innovation, adding that it was difficult to implement new forms of innovation in the country
He said the government is looking at shaping entrepreneurs and leaders who had the right understanding and awareness of new technology, stressing that Malaysia needs to move in accordance with international development
There was a need for a change of mindset if Malaysia wanted to embrace new ways to stimulate growth
“I’m not the only one responsible. We are all responsible as leaders, whether in the government or opposition, to ensure the community is shaped in our efforts to develop Malaysia as an entrepreneurial nation by 2030,” he said
Redzuan made his remarks during the debate on the 2020 budget allocation for his ministry. - FMT

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