Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, Honda Malaysia had to halt business operations to comply with the implementation of the Full Movement Control Order (FMCO) by the government. This has led the company to suspend its plant operations in Pegoh, Melaka and also sales office and dealer showrooms around the country.
During this period, the after-sales services are allowed to operate at dealerships nationwide on an appointment basis. However, only a few selected services are available along with minimal manpower.
To book an appointment, customers can do it through the HondaTouch application.
The suspension and limitation of operation have plunged the sales of the company. Honda Malaysia sees a decline of 52% in year-on-year car sales from May to July 2021. The company has only sold around 5,700 units in this period. This shows a significant drop compared to close to 12,000 units sold in the previous year within the same period.
The company’s compliance with the directives has also impacted their new model production, supply chain and exportation of parts. According to Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms Madoka Chujo, the current situation has affected the overall supply chain, planning and investment of the company.
Ms Chujo also raised concern over the 101 Honda authorised dealers and associates. They have to face financial difficulties and uncertainty of employment during this period.
She added that the company is making effort to assist them during this difficult time. One of the initiatives is to register Honda associates under the Public-Private Partnership Industrial COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PIKAS). The company aims to achieve 100% of first dose vaccination for all its associates by mid-August 2021.
According to the press release, the company also hopes for the possibility of early resumption of the automotive sector under strict SOPs and guidelines set by the government. It will help to mitigate potential business closure among the supply chain.
