More EVs and public chargers in Malaysia in upcoming years

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s newly appointed Minister of International Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz during the launch event of BYD Atto 3 shared an important piece of information. About? The government’s plan on the adaptation of electric vehicles and set up more public charging stations.

During his speech, he said that the ministry is targeting 15% of the total industry volume to the sales of EVs and Hybrid by 2030. The figure is expected to hike up to 38% by 2024.

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He said, “The government strongly supports the EV agenda to ensure a dynamic and more sustainable future for all Malaysians. The National Automotive Policy, or NAP 2020, and Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint outline the government’s direction in the development of the nation’s EV industry.”

How will the government plan to achieve its goals? Here’s how

• The Minister of International Trade and Industry has created a National Electric Vehicle Task Force that comprises relevant government agencies and ministries, to review new strategies developed for a healthy EV industry
• Fully-imported EVs are exempted from import & export duties (till Dec 31,2023)
• Locally-assembled EVs will enjoy the exemption until Dec 31,2025
• The government is also offering an income tax exemption of up to RM 2,500 on EV charging facility cost of purchase, rent, installation, hire-purchase, and subscription fee

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While our neighbors, Thailand and Indonesia have announced a ban on ICE vehicles starting in 2035 and 2050, we are yet to make a concrete take on the same. As and when it happens, the EV market will boom in the country.

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