CONSIDER a journey from an airport to a tourist destination or even between two neighbouring cities in a five-seat aircraft that takes off vertically like a helicopter, flies like an airplane and is powered entirely by electricity.
Suddenly, a journey that requires hours on the road is shortened to mere minutes.
Anyone caught in rush hour traffic will readily appreciate such flying taxis.
However, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said flying taxis could become a reality only after the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) gave the green light.
“There can be no shortcuts on matters of safety.
“Before an aircraft of this kind can carry passengers in Malaysia, it must be certified by CAAM,” he said.
Amirudin also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) and TCab Tech at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya yesterday.
TCab Tech is a China-based enterprise that specialises in the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The MOU is for the production of electric aircraft.
A model of the aircraft, called E20 that cost about RM12.26mil per unit, is on public display at Symphony East 3 in the mall until Nov 9.
Speaking to reporters later, Amirudin said E20 has a flight range of 250km to 260km, making it capable of reaching areas such as Jasin, Melaka as well as Tangkak or Batu Pahat in Johor from Selangor.
“This is not merely a vehicle for personal mobility; it is intended to function as a public transportation service.
“This provides a promising future option for addressing traffic congestion while ensuring societal development keeps pace with technological advancements.”
Amirudin said it would be difficult to say when the flying taxis would be operational, as the process depended on fulfilling all regulatory requirements and navigating potential hurdles.
“It could take as little as one year or it might take longer, depending on testing outcomes,” the Mentri Besar said.
He said Selangor must gauge public readiness to determine if citizens were prepared to adopt it as a standard mode of transport rather than a luxury service.
He also said the state government was committed to facilitating the project and empowering local companies to become manufacturers of necessary parts.
The state aimed to leverage the opportunity to develop local engineers and young talent, said Amirudin.
The goal is not just to showcase the facility, but to establish local manufacturing, from parts production to maintenance, repair and overhaul services, he said.
“Selangor is the ideal location for this, as it hosts nearly two-thirds of Malaysia’s aerospace ecosystem.”
The MOU was signed by Sidec chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping and TCab Tech founder and chief executive officer Ng Yon Wui, witnessed by IOI City Mall general manager Wilfred Wong.
