KUALA LUMPUR (March 18): All Authorised Toyota and Lexus Dealers will temporarily cease its usual day-to-day operations in compliance with the direction by the government’s announcement on “Movement Control Order”, said UMW Toyota.

In a statement today, its president K Ravindran however said the dealers will remain contactable to all customers effective March 18 through the end of the month.

“The safety of our employees, our stakeholders and all of our Customers is paramount to us.

“Based on direction from the government, despite the shutdown of our operations, we will continue to be available to our customers for any assistance they may require with regard to their Toyota and Lexus vehicles,” he said.

Ravindran said Assembly Services Sdn Bhd’s manufacturing operations will also be suspended on March 18 onwards.

He said that at the moment, there were no plans for any specific manufacturing suspension outside Malaysia, resulting from the situation in Malaysia.

UMW Toyota Motor has also cancelled the fourth and final round of Season 3’s Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and Toyota Vios Challenge Championship scheduled to take place on April 18-19 at the Sepang International Circuit.

Prior to the government’s announcement, the Championship had been scheduled to proceed as a closed-event to the public.

UMW Toyota deputy chairman Akio Takeyama said the company was closely monitoring the situation.

“For the protection and safety of our staff and customers, we will consider and make decisions guided by the direction from the government,” he said.