SHAH ALAM - The sales of diesel vehicles, especially pickup trucks, are expected to experience a decline of over 50 per cent following the implementation of floating fuel prices.
Used car sales advisor Khairil Anwar Jaafar, 45, said that for the past month, sales of these vehicles had been very slow because buyers were adopting a wait-and-see approach.
As a result, the company has decided to temporarily halt the intake of diesel-engine vehicles.
"Actually, the decline in sales has been felt for more than a month, even before the announcement of targeted diesel subsidies. We have about 15 to 20 diesel vehicles that could not be sold.
"With the announcement of the new diesel pricing mechanism and if fuel prices continue to rise every week, it is highly likely that users will no longer be able to afford or see the need to use these vehicles.
"I predict that users will sell their vehicles, and only those who can truly withstand the situation will keep (their vehicles).
"They will no longer buy diesel vehicles, and I expect our sales to decline by more than 50 per cent if the fuel price increase continues,” he told Sinar.
Khairil also expected business owners or companies to avoid purchasing diesel-engine vehicles.
"Previously, individual buyers were the highest group of purchasers due to hobbies, the uniqueness of models, and vehicle modifications for various purposes, such as off-roading.
"At present, if there are any buyers, I think they will not be individuals but companies, and maybe the numbers will not be significant. They will buy only if it is necessary,” he added.
Another used car seller, Saipul Nizam, 34, said he had been approached by owners wanting to sell their vehicles as of Monday afternoon, and the number is expected to rise.
"Actually, small traders and low-income groups have already started selling their diesel-engine vehicles after rumours of the diesel fuel subsidy withdrawal.
"Today alone, three people wanted to resell their pickup trucks and were looking for petrol vans for small businesses and transporting farm produce.
"In the past two days, I have sold two diesel-engine vehicles, but these buyers were actually forced to buy them due to lack of other options,” he added.