Lel. They got outsource lar kawan. How they cope the production. Duh

Tell that to apple. Made In California rite? Like sunkist?

this better..

pre-built..metal frame model..

actually no..

less thn 600

Not possible, they don't have the original model.
You don't understand, the modellers made one from metal then make the mould, this one they copied from plastic kits, and the moulds do deteriorate over time, so the first edition is always the best.
Back when I was a child also can afford, since it take a few months to assemble, very hard to imagine people nowadays cannot afford, people who can't afford back then goes for SD.
Must be the living standard or currency in Malaysia.

Some of the Chinese 'bootleg' makes their own mold actually. Even make brand new design that Bandai don't make toys of. Those particular ones are good quality.

And like most said. Bandai gunpla solely produced in Japan.