M'sia's EV transition paving way for greener future
LETTER | Electric vehicles (EVs) are emerging as a game-changer in Malaysia's journey toward a sustainable and eco-friendly future.
The growing number of EVs on Malaysian roads, alongside government-backed initiatives, reflects a country that is committed to reducing carbon emissions and embracing green technologies.
While the road ahead is still challenging, there are several promising signs that Malaysia is making great strides toward becoming a leader in electric mobility in Southeast Asia.
One of the most significant developments in Malaysia's electric vehicle transition is the expanding charging infrastructure.
As of September 2024, there were 3,171 EV charging points across the nation, with 813 DC fast chargers and 2,358 AC chargers. This represents a major leap forward in providing the infrastructure necessary to support a growing number of EVs on the road.
The government's ambitious target of installing 10,000 charging stations by 2025 is an encouraging goal, and recent investments from key industry players like Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Gentari, and Tesla are contributing to this vision.
Over RM170 million has been allocated to enhance the public charging network, further ensuring that more Malaysians can access fast and reliable charging stations.
The increasing number of EV registrations also highlights Malaysia's growing enthusiasm for sustainable mobility.
In 2024, there was a remarkable 63.81 percent increase in EV registrations compared to the previous year, with 21,789 EVs on the road.
This upward trend is a positive indicator of Malaysians' willingness to embrace electric vehicles, especially as the variety of EV models available continues to expand.
Notable players like BYD and Tesla are now leading the market, offering consumers a range of options to suit their needs, from budget-friendly models to high-end electric cars.
This market diversification is crucial in ensuring that EVs are accessible to a wide range of consumers, both in terms of price and model variety.
One of the key advantages of Malaysia's push toward electric mobility is its positive environmental impact.
With EVs being significantly more energy-efficient and producing zero tailpipe emissions, they present a crucial solution to reducing air pollution and tackling climate change.
As part of the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) 2021-2030, Malaysia has set ambitious targets to increase the number of EVs on the road and further reduce its carbon footprint.
These efforts are aligned with the global push for sustainability and the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels.
In addition to environmental benefits, the transition to EVs in Malaysia has the potential to drive economic growth and create new job opportunities.
As the country invests in EV infrastructure, from charging stations to manufacturing facilities, new industries and jobs are being created.
Malaysia's automotive sector, which has long been a key contributor to the economy, is seeing transformation and innovation through the integration of electric technologies.
This shift not only supports sustainable growth but also positions Malaysia as a regional leader in the EV industry, capable of attracting investment and boosting its global competitiveness.
In 2024, Proton's efforts in the EV market were also highlighted with the introduction of the Proton Emas electric concept car, demonstrating the company's commitment to green innovation.
While still in its conceptual stages, the Proton Emas has the potential to bring affordable and sustainable electric mobility options to the masses.
This initiative not only demonstrates Proton's capability to adapt to the green revolution but also shows the potential for local manufacturers to contribute to the EV industry, positioning Malaysia's automotive sector as a competitive player in the global green transition.
The move towards electric mobility is not a trend, but a requirement for a sustainable future.
Malaysia's growing EV ecosystem is an encouraging sign that the country is on the right path, making great strides towards a low-carbon future.
With sustained investment in EV infrastructure, offering incentives to consumers, and encouraging innovation in the automotive sector, Malaysia can ensure its green transition is for all Malaysians, present and future.
In conclusion, Malaysia's EV journey is on the right trajectory, with steady progress in infrastructure, policy support, and market growth.
The path towards a greener future is never easy, but with continued dedication, Malaysia is well on its way to being a regional leader in electric mobility, a beacon of sustainable development in Southeast Asia.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
21 minutes ago
- Barnama
Rubber Market Ends Lower On Weak Regional Cues, Middle East Tensions
She noted that market sentiment was further dampened by the global economic uncertainty stemming from the escalating conflict in the Middle East, mixed benchmark crude oil prices, and weak Chinese economic data. KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian rubber market ended lower today, weighed down by weaker cues from regional rubber markets, said a dealer. 'Asian stocks fell on Monday as risk appetite was battered by the United States' (US) attack on Iran's nuclear sites over the weekend, marking a potentially dire escalation in the Middle Eastern conflict,' she told Bernama. She added that Brent crude oil prices rose sharply in early Asian Trade on Monday, as the US strike heightened fears of supply disruption, although crude pared some of its early gains later in the day. On another note, China's Fiscal revenue fell 0.3 per cent year-on-year in the first five months of 2025, amid mounting economic pressure from US tariffs and global trade uncertainties.
The Sun
23 minutes ago
- The Sun
Anwar's approval rises to 55% amid economic stability
KUALA LUMPUR: A survey by Merdeka Center, an independent organisation focused on public opinion research and socio-economic analysis, found that a majority of Malaysian voters gave Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim a positive approval rating of 55 per cent in May this year compared with 43 per cent in June last year. The centre said the survey on 1,208 registered voters showed that Malaysians are beginning to feel that the country is finally on steadier ground with political turbulence easing and Anwar now leading a government with a two-thirds parliamentary majority. 'Institutional reforms like the revived Parliamentary Services Act 2025 also signal a return to principled governance,' it said in a statement today. It said public frustration over the cost of living has also been mitigated by the government's minimum wage increase to RM1,700 combined with festive cash aid for civil servants and ongoing fuel subsidies amid inflation at a three-year low of 1.4 per cent in March 2025 and economic growth hitting 4.4 per cent in the first quarter. 'While the survey continues to show that the public's top concerns remain the economy, the absence of price shocks despite the withdrawal of diesel fuel subsidies in 2024 has helped ease sentiments,' it said. The centre said Anwar has also enhanced Malaysia's global profile by hosting China's President Xi Jinping and chairing ASEAN in 2025 which gave him a diplomatic spotlight. 'New investment deals, trade cooperation and leadership in Global South initiatives have bolstered his image at home,' it said. At the same time, the centre said the federal government's rating also improved to 50 per cent in May 2025 compared with 40 per cent in June 2024. It said dissatisfaction towards the federal government eased to 48 per cent compared with 58 per cent a year ago. 'The tight spread between positives and negatives are largely driven by persistent concerns about cost of living pressures and some anxiety over subsidy cuts slated to take place in the near future,' it said. It said the number of surveyed voters who think the country is headed in the wrong direction declined to 50 per cent compared with 61 per cent a year ago while the number of voters thinking the country is heading in the right direction improved to 43 per cent compared with 29 per cent in June 2024. 'The major reasons for the wrong direction remain focused on the trajectory of the national economy and the performance of the current administration,' it said. The survey was carried out between May 12 and May 23 to gauge voters' perceptions of current developments as the MADANI administration marks the midpoint of its term in office. Respondents who comprised 52 per cent Malay, 29 per cent Chinese, seven per cent Indian, six per cent Muslim Bumiputra and six per cent Non-Muslim Bumiputra from Sabah and Sarawak, reflective of the national electoral profile, were interviewed via fixed line and mobile telephones.
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Merdeka Center's Survey Shows PM Anwar's Approval Rating Rises To 55 Pct
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- A survey by Merdeka Center, an independent organisation focused on public opinion research and socio-economic analysis, found that a majority of Malaysian voters gave Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim a positive approval rating of 55 per cent in May this year compared with 43 per cent in June last year. The centre said the survey on 1,208 registered voters showed that Malaysians are beginning to feel that the country is finally on steadier ground with political turbulence easing and Anwar now leading a government with a two-thirds parliamentary majority. 'Institutional reforms like the revived Parliamentary Services Act 2025 also signal a return to principled governance,' it said in a statement today. It said public frustration over the cost of living has also been mitigated by the government's minimum wage increase to RM1,700 combined with festive cash aid for civil servants and ongoing fuel subsidies amid inflation at a three-year low of 1.4 per cent in March 2025 and economic growth hitting 4.4 per cent in the first quarter. 'While the survey continues to show that the public's top concerns remain the economy, the absence of price shocks despite the withdrawal of diesel fuel subsidies in 2024 has helped ease sentiments,' it said. The centre said Anwar has also enhanced Malaysia's global profile by hosting China's President Xi Jinping and chairing ASEAN in 2025 which gave him a diplomatic spotlight. 'New investment deals, trade cooperation and leadership in Global South initiatives have bolstered his image at home,' it said. At the same time, the centre said the federal government's rating also improved to 50 per cent in May 2025 compared with 40 per cent in June 2024. It said dissatisfaction towards the federal government eased to 48 per cent compared with 58 per cent a year ago.
