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Malaysia: Car Prices Frozen Amid OMV Dispute Resolution

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. r-prices-frozen-amid-omv-dispute-resolution.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 12:52 GMT by Paul Tan
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - January 30th, 2026 - In a welcome reprieve for Malaysian car buyers, the government has officially announced that prices for cars assembled via the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) method will not increase in July 2026. This confirmation follows the successful resolution of a complex issue surrounding the Open Market Value (OMV) calculation, specifically relating to the 'OMV 402' designation, which had been casting a shadow over the automotive sector for months.

The OMV 402 issue stemmed from discrepancies in how the Malaysian Customs Department assessed the value of imported components used in CKD vehicle assembly. The '402' designation referred to a specific categorization within the OMV system, and ambiguities within its application were leading to inconsistent and potentially inflated duty calculations. This threatened to significantly increase the cost of locally assembled vehicles, effectively negating some of the benefits of CKD production.

CKD assembly plays a crucial role in the Malaysian automotive industry. It allows manufacturers - including Perodua, Proton, Honda, Toyota, and many others - to circumvent the higher import duties levied on Completely Built-Up (CBU) vehicles. By importing vehicles in parts and assembling them locally, manufacturers can substantially reduce costs, and pass those savings onto consumers. A price increase due to OMV miscalculations would have disproportionately affected the affordability of vehicles for a large segment of the Malaysian population.

"The government understands the importance of keeping car prices stable, particularly in the current economic climate," stated a representative from the Ministry of Finance in a press briefing earlier today. "We have been working closely with the Customs Department and automotive manufacturers to address the OMV 402 issue and ensure a fair and transparent system for calculating import duties. We are pleased to confirm that a resolution has been reached."

While the details of the resolution remain somewhat guarded, sources indicate that the government has clarified the application of the OMV 402 designation, establishing a consistent and predictable methodology for assessing component values. This likely involved a re-evaluation of existing valuation practices and the implementation of a more robust framework for future assessments. The government has also committed to ongoing dialogue with industry stakeholders to proactively address any emerging issues.

However, the journey to clarity hasn't been without its delays. Initial projections anticipated the finalized calculations and their implementation by the end of 2025. The intricate nature of the OMV 402 issue, involving a complex web of component classifications, international pricing variations, and existing trade agreements, required a more thorough investigation and careful consideration of potential ramifications. The exact timeline for the full implementation of the revised OMV calculations is still pending, but officials assure the public that the process is nearing completion.

The absence of a price hike is expected to provide a boost to the Malaysian automotive market. Sales figures have been relatively flat in recent months, influenced by economic uncertainty and cautious consumer spending. Maintaining stable pricing will encourage potential buyers to make purchasing decisions, supporting both manufacturers and the broader economy. Industry analysts predict a potential uptick in demand during the second half of 2026, particularly for popular CKD models.

Furthermore, this resolution sends a positive signal to foreign investors, demonstrating the government's commitment to a stable and predictable regulatory environment for the automotive sector. Malaysia is a key regional hub for automotive manufacturing and assembly, and maintaining investor confidence is crucial for continued growth and job creation.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Finance has indicated that it will continue to monitor the automotive market closely and work with industry partners to address any challenges that may arise. Further details regarding the finalized OMV calculations and their specific impact on vehicle pricing will be released in the coming weeks. Consumers are advised to stay informed through official government channels and reputable automotive news sources.