Former minister calls for govt action amid Goodyear plant closure allegation

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, a former minister, has called for immediate government action in response to the closure of Goodyear Malaysia’s manufacturing plant in Shah Alam.

Rafidah expressed surprise after coming across a viral social media post indicating the impending closure of Goodyear Malaysia’s 52-year-old manufacturing plant in Shah Alam, Selangor, effective June 30.

In a Facebook post on Thursday (March 7), Rafidah stated, “It prompts us to delve into the reasons behind this decision.”

She emphasized the importance of addressing such developments promptly, especially in light of ongoing discussions about potential investments. It is crucial to ensure the retention of existing industrial and business entities within the country instead of relocating to other nations.

“These commitments should encompass various aspects such as specifics on site location, workforce composition (including managerial, executive, skilled, and unskilled workers), market focus (export-oriented or domestic), annual sales volume projections, joint ventures, and other relevant information,” she added.

In an alleged internal memo leak, Nathaniel Madarang, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s Asia Pacific president, referred to the closure as part of the company’s “transformation programme,” stating that approximately 550 positions in its Malaysian operation would be affected.

The Shah Alam plant, operational since 1972, has played a significant role in Goodyear’s presence in the region.

Rafidah urged the government to investigate the increasing number of companies closing their operations in Malaysia, questioning their destination upon relocation and the factors driving their decision to cease operations in the country.

“We need to analyze the reasons behind these shutdowns and relocations,” Rafidah emphasized.