Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang stated that the MRANTI Autonomous Vehicles Experimental Lab (AV XL), recently launched, will propel the nation forward in advancing transportation technology.
Chang stressed the lab’s capacity to foster innovation and translate ideas into tangible impacts on transportation technology, according to Bernama.
Chang underscored the partnership between MRANTI and Futurise Sdn Bhd, a Ministry of Finance company steering the Malaysia Autonomous Vehicle (MyAV) Testing Route Secretariat. He also underlined the pivotal role of AV XL in transforming transportation.
He clarified that autonomous vehicles (AV) operate without human control, citing existing examples like the Kuala Lumpur monorail, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), and Light Rapid Transit (LRT) systems.
Discussing the global adoption of AV technology, Chang referenced McKinsey’s Centre for Future Mobility, projecting that 12% of new passenger cars by 2030 would feature Level 3 to 5 autonomous technologies, contributing up to USD400 billion (~RM1.88 trillion) in revenue globally by 2035.
Chang highlighted the lucrative opportunities for stakeholders across industries such as insurance, manufacturing, semiconductor, software development, and various sectors like agriculture, logistics, and healthcare.
The MRANTI AV XL, with its 12-km test route, enclosed multi-storey car park, digital twin for virtual testing, and 5G network coverage for rapid data transmission, aligns with the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030.
Chang emphasised its support for the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020, focusing on AV testbed creation, promoting Next-Generation Vehicles (NxGV), and aligning with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, particularly focusing on the automotive sector, Electric Vehicles (EVs), and Renewable Energy.
