BYD opens first 3S Centre in East Malaysia, bringing easier EV ownership to Sabah

KUALA LUMPUR:  Sabah just got a major boost in its electric vehicle (EV) journey with the opening of BYD’s first 3S Centre in East Malaysia.

Situated in Kota Kinabalu, this facility, operated by Regas EV Sabah, marks a critical step in expanding BYD’s footprint and making EVs more accessible to Malaysians outside the Klang Valley.

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The new 3S Centre—representing sales, service, and spare parts—is not just another glitzy showroom. Spanning 1,288 square meters, it’s built to address the practical needs of EV owners, offering everything from test drives to aftersales support.

What’s more, it features two DC Super Chargers with four charging guns, capable of delivering up to 180kW of power.

For customers, this means faster charging and less downtime—an important consideration in a region where charging infrastructure is still catching up.

Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Retail and Distribution for Southeast Asia at Sime Motors, made no secret of BYD’s aspirations in Malaysia.

“As the official distributor of BYD cars in Malaysia, Sime Motors is incredibly proud to collaborate with Regas EV Sabah to launch the new BYD 3S Centre in Kota Kinabalu, enhancing our customer experience in East Malaysia. This initiative further solidifies our position as the No.1 EV brand in Malaysia and underscores our commitment to providing the best customer experience while striving to meet the evolving needs of the community in Sabah. We deeply value the trust and loyalty our customers place in us and remain dedicated to exceeding their expectations,” said Gan.

What It Means for Sabah

While the opening of the 3S Centre is good news for EV enthusiasts, it’s also a sign that Sabah is beginning to embrace electric mobility. Datuk Matthew Tan, Managing Director of Regas EV Sabah, emphasized the importance of this step.

“This 3S Centre is not just a facility—it’s a commitment to Sabah’s journey towards electric mobility and forward-thinking low-carbon solutions, powered by BYD’s world-class technology,” Tan stated.

For Sabah, the facility is not about luxury or branding—it’s about catching up with the global shift toward sustainability. The region, like much of East Malaysia, has lagged behind in EV infrastructure, making this opening a significant move forward.

One of the key challenges for EV adoption in East Malaysia has been the lack of reliable aftersales support. BYD addresses this with the introduction of two Body & Paint Centres in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

These facilities provide specialized repairs and maintenance, giving customers peace of mind about long-term ownership.

It’s a move that seems designed to build trust in a market where EVs are still viewed with skepticism.

BYD’s Push to Expand Nationwide

The Kota Kinabalu facility is part of a larger strategy. BYD now operates three locations in East Malaysia—Kuching, Sibu, and Kota Kinabalu—and 29 showrooms nationwide, with plans to exceed 30 by the end of 2024.

It’s clear that Sime Motors is serious about its push to dominate Malaysia’s EV market.

The new BYD 3S Centre is located at Lot 33, Sedco Industrial Estate, Jalan Lintas, 88450 Kota Kinabalu.

Customers can stay updated on Regas EV Sabah’s latest offerings through their social media channels or by contacting them via email at general@regasev.my.

The opening of BYD’s first 3S Centre in East Malaysia is undoubtedly a step forward, but the real work lies ahead. EV adoption in the region still faces challenges, from limited charging infrastructure to lingering skepticism about electric mobility.

BYD, backed by Sime Motors and Regas EV Sabah, is making a calculated bet that Sabah is ready to embrace the future.

Whether this gamble pays off will depend on how well the brand can deliver on its promise of a seamless ownership experience and how quickly infrastructure can meet the growing needs of EV users in East Malaysia.

For now, though, it’s a welcome development in Sabah’s slow but steady shift toward sustainable transportation.

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