A healthy economy is one we actively participate in. That is the basis of the government's 'Penjana' scheme, which has basically distributed 'free money' to millions of Malaysians in a bid to get the country's economic sector going again following a slump brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing Movement Control Order (MCO). 

On that note, Perodua truly is a 'Penjana' for the local automotive sector, with the Malaysian carmaker spending RM600mil on parts from Malaysian-based vendors in just a single month. 

"In October alone, we purchased some RM600 million worth of parts from local suppliers, thus creating an enormous economic multiplier effect on the local auto eco-system, who too, has been impacted by the pandemic we are now facing," said Perodua CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad in an official statement. 

According to Perodua, this local auto eco-system is made up of component suppliers, authorised dealers, stockists, agencies and contractors, on top of indirect partners such as financial institutions and insurance companies. 

This spending spree comes on the back of a strong September, a month which raked in sales of 25,035 new cars – an all-time monthly sales record then – amidst a tough economic backdrop. That record only stood for 30 days as October stepped up with a whopping 26,852 cars sold. Of this total, the Myvi continues to lead the way, accounting for 8,052 units, followed by the Bezza (6,895 units), Axia (6,738), Aruz (3,193) and Alza (1,974). 

No wonder so many new parts were needed that month...