CYBERJAYA, April 13 -- The ongoing conflict in West Asia is expected to weigh on Malaysia's automotive industry as demand for new vehicles shows a slight dip, according to industry players.

Malaysian Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders Association (Pekema) president Datuk Mohamed Nazari Noordin said the softer demand trend was first observed after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period and has been influenced by global geopolitical uncertainty, Harian Metro reported today.

"There is a slight drop in demand for new cars, especially after Hari Raya, and the West Asia conflict has also affected buyer confidence," he said.

"Most people are taking a wait-and-see approach and are being cautious in making purchases," he was quoted telling reporters ...