THE country’s aerospace industry, which employs more than 21,000 skilled workers, cannot afford another shutdown in business as it risks losing the high value market to the regional competitors.

Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association president Naguib Mohd Nor said the entire supply chain, from components manufacturing to flight servicing, must remain in operations although at a lower capacity during the Full Movement Control Order (MCO).

Aerospace is one of 12 manufacturing sectors that was allowed to operate during the first phase total lockdown from June 1 to 14, despite some quarters saying manufacturing is not an essential service at a time where many carriers remain grounded. Read more