Malaysia accelerates electric vehicle growth

Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is accelerating, with over 100,000 electrified vehicles recorded and more than 3,300 charging stations established nationwide to date, positioning the country as a key regional hub for EV innovation.

Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute chief operating officer Mohd Sharulnizam Sarip. (Photo: thestar.com.my)
Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute chief operating officer Mohd Sharulnizam Sarip. (Photo: thestar.com.my)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is accelerating, with over 100,000 electrified vehicles recorded and more than 3,300 charging stations established nationwide to date, positioning the country as a key regional hub for EV innovation.

Speaking at the Malaysia-China EV Forum, chief operating officer of Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) Mohd Sharulnizam Sarip said that Malaysia is working to realise its ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2050.

He highlighted the country’s strategic initiatives to build a robust EV ecosystem via collaboration, including memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with various Chinese organisations focusing on joint ventures in manufacturing, research and development, and technology transfer.

He said Malaysia will strengthen collaboration with China to drive manufacturing, research, and sustainable growth in the automotive sector

Such efforts aim to elevate Malaysia’s role in the regional and global EV value chain. The National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2030 remains the cornerstone of Malaysia’s EV agenda, promoting the production of eco-friendly vehicles, battery recycling facilities, and infrastructure development, he said.

These initiatives are expected to complement Malaysia’s standing as the world’s sixth-largest semiconductor exporter, further enhancing high-value manufacturing activities such as wafer fabrication and integrated circuit development.

“With growing government support, industry participation, and international collaborations, Malaysia is well on track to becoming a leading EV innovation hub in Southeast Asia,” he said.

Proton Holdings Bhd senior director of corporate strategy Yusri Yusuf emphasised the critical need for strong partnerships to ensure the success of EV adoption, highlighting collaboration as key to addressing challenges in areas such as charging applications and upstream component development.

He stressed that to accelerate the industrialisation of EVs in Malaysia, the country needs reliable partners for technology, business, and infrastructure./.

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