KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s new matching-grant initiative, offering up to RM4,000 for owners of vehicles more than 20 years old to trade them in for a new national model, has been widely welcomed.
However, some car owners remain reluctant to part with their cherished vehicles, valuing their history and sentimental significance over financial incentives.
For 28-year-old veterinarian Hazmi Mustaffer, parting with his family’s Proton Saga is a decision that makes perfect sense on paper, but not in the heart.
Hazmi still drives the second-edition Saga that his father, Mustaffer Abdullah, bought new in 1988.
The odometer has long crossed the 500,000km mark, and the car has passed through the hands of nearly every family member.
“I can’t deny that the financially sensible choice is to let it go. Realistically, it’s probably worth around RM1,000 now,” he said at his home in Langgar in Alor Star, Kedah.
“But this car went through everyone — my father, my brothers and now me. It has broken down many times over the years; for me alone, three or four times.
“Still, it’s priceless. The sentimental value runs deep. This was my father’s first car. He drove it to his first job, and it helped raise all of us. It has done so much for our family,” Hazmi said, adding that the initiative was a good offer.
“I’m sure many people will take it. Just not me,” he said with a laugh.
Similarly, 47-year-old Pang Lai Kham, an administrative clerk from Ipoh, Perak, is considering whether the grant makes practical sense for her family’s older vehicles.
“The Perodua Kelisa we bought in 2004 is still in good condition and can travel long distances. My mother-in-law is using it now.
“We currently have a 16-year-old Viva, and I’ve bought a new car.
“The Kelisa’s maintenance is manageable — we just change the oil and a few parts, and it’s not costly. For now, we only drive short distances.
“The government’s plan is reasonable; with a RM4,000 grant, it’s enough to put down a deposit for a new car. We’ll have to see if an affordable car is available next year, and we might consider selling the Kelisa,” she said.
[[nid:1311053]]
Meanwhile, freelancer L. Manimaran, 58, also from Ipoh, has held on to his Proton Perdana V6 since 2003 and despite the car’s age, he has no plans of letting it go.
“So far, it’s been perfectly fine with no major issues. Maintenance costs are low and I even brought it with me to Sabah.
“Parts for the air-conditioning system are hard to find as the car is old. Accessories and spare parts are becoming rare. Someone once offered RM4,000 for the car, but I didn’t sell it.”
He said the scheme was a good initiative, but reiterated his intention to keep the car running as it was in good condition.
[[nid:1311052]]
Newspaper vendor Shariif Mohamad, 70, from Kuantan, has no plans to buy a new vehicle, choosing instead to keep faith in his 21-year-old Ford van to ferry his family around.
“I do not want any additional financial burden. I bought the van in 2004. It is in good condition but had some minor repairs, which didn’t cost much.
“The government’s incentive might be suitable for those who travel a lot, but for elderly people like me, there is no reason to replace a decades-old car,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kuantan-based wedding photographer Fikriamin Adenan, 48, said his 23-year-old Proton Wira held sentimental value as it was the first car he bought for his family.
“I service my Wira regularly and have it repainted so that I can use the vehicle for many more years. I’m not sure about the new cars. I prefer to trust the older models.
“The government’s grant will encourage more people to own national cars. Those with vehicles in poor condition should take up the offer,” he added, noting that his car remained reliable even for long-distance drives.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
