With COVID-19 cases continuing to surface daily in the hundreds in Malaysia, and with travel restrictions hampering both domestic and international attendance, the organisers of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur have decided to delay the 2021 show a full year. The new show dates are 15 to 17 March 2022.
Show organisers say exhibitors, partners and supporting associations have backed the decision, and they look forward to the fair’s mixture of exhibition and events that promote automotive industry recovery.
Over the years, Automechanika Kuala Lumpur has gathered a broad international audience that leverages the platform to explore the opportunities in ASEAN member countries’ automotive markets. The last edition of the show, held in 2019, hosted 16 exhibiting and 58 visiting countries and regions worldwide.
However, prevailing travel restrictions into Malaysia and local prevention measures set out by the Conditional Movement Control Order have limited geographical mobility throughout Malaysia. With large numbers of COVID-19 cases still being reported domestically, the uncertainty of the restrictions being lifted before March 2021 was the main reason behind the organiser’s decision to postpone the show.
“The wellbeing and safety of our stakeholders at Automechanika Kuala Lumpur is a top priority for us,” said Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager at Messe Frankfurt (HK). “After closely monitoring the developments of COVID-19 in Malaysia and to support prevention protocols curbing the spread of the virus, deferring the show to 2022 was the only reasonable response to effectively support players in the market, as well as safeguard public health.
“With over 22 years in the ASEAN automotive industry, Automechanika Kuala Lumpur has stood the test of time. It will continue to adapt to trends and the current market situation, as well as expose wider opportunities for growth and development.”