The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) plans to help Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) produce Malaysia’s first electric vehicle (EV) priced under RM100,000 as the ministry is optimistic that the automaker will reach its target by the end of 2025.
“The reason why we want to assist and facilitate Perodua is because we want to have EVs affordable. Perodua has been in discussions with MITI and we are optimistic with its plan of achieving its target (on time),” said MITI minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
He said that a total of 6,617 battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) were sold in the first half of 2024 (1H24), marking a 112% year-on-year surge from the 3,117 units in 1H23.
“This remarkable growth not only signals our consumers’ growing interest, but also demonstrates Malaysian’s general buy-in to contribute to the national and global environmental agendas,” Tengku Zafrul said.
As of September 2024, almost 16,000 new BEVs were registered in Malaysia, surpassing roughly 13,000 BEVs registered throughout 2023.
“This positive momentum brings us closer to our target of 20% of total industry volume comprising EVs by 2030,” he added.
On charging infrastructure, he noted that within just 3 months, 565 new chargers were added, bringing the total number of public charging stations to nearly 3,200 as at end of September, including 813 DC fast chargers.
“We aim to have 10,000 public chargers, reducing the ratio of chargers to EVs to one-to-nine (1:9) by the end of 2025,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul explained that the automotive industry remains a vital pillar to the country’s economic growth, contributing an impressive 4-5% to national gross domestic product (GDP) annually and supporting over 700,000 jobs.
In 2023, Malaysia’s automotive sector recorded a total import value of RM62.14 billion, with 37.15 billion attributed to the import of automotive parts and components.
On the export side, the sector recorded a total value of RM18.01 billion with RM13.26 billion from automotive parts exports.
“The significant disparity between imports and exports has led to a trade deficit for the sector,” he noted.
Tengku Zafrul also said that as the world’s 4th-largest automaker and a leading mobility solutions provider, Stellantis’ choice of Malaysia as the first market in Southeast Asia for Leapmotor reflects the confidence that global players have in the country’s growing role as a hub for new energy vehicles.
“I was thrilled when Stellantis announced its decision to establish Malaysia as a regional manufacturing hub as part of its ‘Built in ASEAN for ASEAN strategy, alongside a regional headquarters for Asia Pacific. I am optimistic that this decision will significantly boost our automotive industry, facilitate advanced technology transfer and enhance our exports,” he said.
Recently, Stellantis unveiled its new all-electric SUV, the C10, marking its first major entry into the Southeast Asian market with its launch in Malaysia.
