KUALA LUMPUR (Mar 16): National car-maker Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) today refuted a blogger’s claims of safety concern on two of the company’s models, namely Myvi and Alza.

In a statement today, Perodua President cum chief executive officer Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said the company’s products and services strictly adhere to safety standards.

“First and foremost, we wish to ensure our customers that our products and services are offered with safety-first in mind which strictly adhere to domestic safety standards set by the Malaysian government via its ministry and various agencies,” Aminar said in a statement today.

He said that an internet blogger named Wolf Vaupel had on Mar 10 claimed that the self-illuminating instrument cluster featured in both the Myvi and the Alza are “deadly”.

According to Vaupel, the instrument panel confuses drivers into thinking that the headlights are on.

“We wish to clarify that based on inquiries made to both the authorities and insurance companies, there is no such linkage concerning self-illuminating instrument cluster and road collisions at night,” Aminar said.

“In fact, even the first generation Myvi (circa 2005-2011) is Euro 4 certified as Perodua exported to the United Kingdom previously. We have since improved on those safety features for our customers,” he added.

Aminar also said that the mentioned self-illuminating instrument cluster is featured on other international brands as well.

On top of that, he pointed out that Vaupel did not provide any evidence that proved the self-illuminating feature is against international regulations.

“We also wish to clarify, contrary to Mr Vaupel’s claim that we have replied to his earlier inquiry about the matter,” Aminar said.

“Being a responsible organisation, we welcome our customers to share their views and grievances with us, but will not tolerate unfounded allegations and we will take necessary action to protect our rights,” he remarked.