Ex-Minister Critical On Absent ABS, ESC In Axia Rahmah

Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, former Transport Minister and current Ayer Hitam MP. (Image: Bernama)

Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, former Transport Minister, has voiced his criticism and concerns over the recently launched Perodua Axia 1.0 E MT. Fondly known as the ‘Axia Rahmah’, the ex-minister and current Ayer Hitam MP took to social media this week to raise his concerns with said model’s apparent lack of anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).

“Let’s not compromise on the safety and security of the driver and passenger. Certain specs like anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and electronic stability control (ESC) should not be left out just to bring the vehicle price down to ‘Rahmah’ levels,” he expressed via a lengthy Facebook post.

Launched last week as a bargain basement offering is the Perodua Axia 1.0 E MT. It's also widely referred to as the 'Axia Rahmah'.

Datuk Seri Dr Wee backed his arguments by citing that the presence of ESC and similar vehicle stability control assists can prevent roughly 40% of deaths and collisions due to loss of control. This was perhaps a driving factor for the Ministry of Transport (MoT) to pass a law in 2018 – whilst under Wee’s leadership – that saw ESC become mandatory equipment for all new passenger cars, along with ABS.

Wee continued by saying he understood the situation of some households struggling with their finances and directed the issue toward the government in helping them out. At the same time, he also thanked major carmakers for keeping consumer cost concerns in mind by providing them with choices and various ranges of vehicle specification for them to choose from.

At RM22,000 sans insurance, the Axia Rahmah is the most affordable new car on sale in Malaysia right now.

This affordable supermini comes with a 5-speed manual only, and very little on board luxuries - not even coil mats, or even a rear windscreen demister or wiper.

Yes, whilst the concerns raised by the former minister may appear politically driven, his argument holds merit.  Introduced last week, the Perodua Axia 1.0E MT is the most affordable new car on sale in Malaysia now at RM22,000 sans insurance. Following discussions with financial institutions, Perodua also noted this model can be financed from as low as RM300 monthly.

This explains the carmaker’s attempt to woo motorcyclists with an equally-priced four-wheeled alternative. Despite its attractive price point, many were critical about this Axia’s ‘bare’ specification sheet. Besides ABS and ESC as noted by the former minister, other key omissions include a basic radio, keyfob remote, rear windscreen demister or wiper, as well as basic luxuries like coil mats.

Actually based on the 2014MY Axia, this new-for-2023 Axia 1.0 E MT sees itself exempt from the MoT's 2018 requirement for having ESC and ABS as standard.

As to why both ABS and ESC were omitted, it boils down to the fact that the ‘new’ Axia 1.0 E MT is classified as a 2014 model. This sees it exempted from the MoT’s requirement to equip both ABS and ESC as standard which, as noted, only became law from 2018 onwards. Perodua’s claims of this models 4-star ASEAN crash-test score were also based on said test standard of the same time too.

What do you think, folks? Do you agree with the former minister’s arguments about the absent ABS and ESC features? Would you rather Perodua equipped the Axia 1.0 E MT with ABS at the very least? If so, what would be the ideal price tag for it? As always, hit the comments below – and our social pages – with your thoughts.

Also, if you’re dead set to rowing your own gears to adopt this bargain basement supermini, don’t forget to check out our latest guide featuring 6 upgrades that might make the Axia Rahmah just a touch better for the daily.