KUALA LUMPUR • Malaysia plans to launch a flying car, a minister has said, sparking a flood of mockery in a country with a chequered history in automotive projects.

The prototype of the vehicle, which uses local technology, will be unveiled later this year, Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Yusof said on Tuesday, state news agency Bernama reported.

The vehicle will cost about RM1 million (S$331,000) to develop and will fly at low altitudes, he said, without revealing more details.

Previous car projects in Malaysia have not always met with great success - the country started producing Protons in the 1980s but they are routinely criticised for unimaginative models and shoddy workmanship, and their popularity has steadily fallen.

For many people, the flying car project was just another harebrained scheme cooked up by foolish politicians.

"Words fail me. I have never read so much stupidity in my life," one commentator wrote online.

Aman Shah posted on Facebook: "How come this idiot is selected as a minister? Solve the public transport problem first, instead of inventing a flying car."

There have been several attempts around the world to develop flying cars, such as the Transition made by US firm Terrafugia, and the AeroMobil, produced in Slovakia.

Both have taken years and a lot of money to develop, and are yet to go on sale.

Some questioned the wisdom of trying to develop a flying vehicle in Malaysia with the national car industry already facing problems.

"We cannot even promote hybrid and electric cars properly and sell them at affordable prices. Now talking about flying cars. What a joke!" said one comment.

Since returning for a second stint as Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad - who previously championed Proton - has announced plans for a new national car project, triggering widespread criticism.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE