KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 19 -- Japanese automotive giants Toyota Motor Corp and Honda Motor Company Ltd yesterday resumed operations at their assembly plants in Malaysia, after the federal government again updated its list of essential businesses allowed to operate during the movement control order (MCO) reintroduced this year.

Tokyo-based Nikkei Asia reported that both companies have started their plants in Malaysia again yesterday, noting that the federal government "changed its mind" after lobbying from the automotive industry and the Japan External Trade Organisation to allow resumption of their operations.

Nikkei Asia said that Malaysia's national automaker Perodua Bhd - backed by Japanese car firm Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd - was also expect...