Latest news with #MoT
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar rapidly advancing transition to e-mobility among MENA countries: PwC report
DOHA: Qatar is rapidly advancing its transition to electric mobility, aligning with its Qatar National Vision 2030 and the 3rd National Development Strategy (NDS3), which emphasizes on sustainability, economic diversification and a technology-driven growth and the plans tailored and carried out in this front have played a pivotal role in steering the country towards a sustainable mobility future, including the Electric Vehicle Strategy 2021 that has set ambitious targets, including EVs comprising 10% of total vehicle sales by 2030 and the rapid deployment of EV infrastructure to support a zero-emission transportation future. This comes in a new report released lately by PwC. The report says that EVs are gaining traction in Qatar and the sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Qatar are projected to climb from 1.1% in 2024 to around 14.4% in 2035 and sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) from 0.7% in 2024 to 9.6% in 2035. The report highlights the Ministry of Transport's key role in spearheading the transition to sustainable mobility with various strategies to support that goal towards a cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally conscious future. The report indicates that thanks to those strategies 73% of public buses in Qatar are already electric, reflecting tangible transformation to green mobility. Additionally, the MoT has had a key role in the establishment of an e-bus assembly plant in the Um Al Houl Free Zone in collaboration between Mowasalat (Karwa) and Yutong, the report says. The 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, the report says, served as a landmark event in demonstrating Qatar's e-mobility capabilities, with over 1000 e-buses providing transportation for fans and visitors, making it the first-ever FIFA World Cup to be held in the Middle East with such a significant focus on electric transportation. By shifting to e-mobility and cleaner power generation, Qatar can curb the rise in CO2 emissions by nearly 5% compared to an entirely internal combustion engine fleet, reinforcing the country's commitment to sustainable, low-carbon transportation. Qatar's commitment to sustainability, paired with attractive green financing options, further strengthens the case for growth in this space and with a projected annual economic growth rate of 4.1% between 2025 and 2029 and a population set to reach 3.2 million by 2030, Qatar is primed for sustainable market expansion. The report highlights serious efforts to install more than 1000 charging stations by 2030 supported by plans for 4000 stations by 2035. The report says Qatar has set ambitious renewable energy targets with solar capacity expected to grow to 5 gigawatts by 2035 and this means Qatar has the potential to fully meet EV charging demand through clean energy. The report says Qatar is investing heavily in developing its e-mobility ecosystem and, in this regard, prototypes of Vim, the first EV to include Qatari intellectual property, were revealed by Ecotranzit in 2023. Additionally, ABB E-mobility, a global leader in EV charging solutions, has partnered with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to open a state-of-the-art service and training center in the Um Al Houl Free Zone, focusing on both theoretical and hands-on training for EV charging infrastructure, the report says. Qatar is a key investment partner internationally with significant investments by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in major EV battery manufacturing companies such as SK On, positioning Qatar among the key players in the EV battery manufacturing landscape worldwide. Besides Yutong, adds the report, Qatarâ€s attractive market has already drawn interest from EV manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Porsche and Gaussin. The report lays the groundwork for a future where Qatar is well-positioned internationally in terms of e-mobility with continued efforts to develop localized EV battery ecosystem, qualify national professionals and enhance international cooperation in R&D, paving the way for Qatar to become an exporter of technologies and components of sustainable transportation to Europe and Asia.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
FMM strongly objects to Port Klang's tariff hike, warns of hit to export competitiveness
PETALING JAYA: The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) has expressed its strong objection to the impending tariff increase at Port Klang, which was approved by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) and officially gazetted on Friday. The association said these cost increases come at a time when industries are already under immense pressure from global trade disruptions and significant domestic policy shifts. It noted that the new tariff increase place a severe burden on Malaysian manufacturers and further weaken the nation's export competitiveness while eroding Malaysia's position as a preferred regional trade and logistics hub. To note, the overall tariff revision at Port Klang, amounting to a 30% increase, will be implemented in three phases, with the first phase taking effect on July 1. Among the key changes that will heavily impact importers and exporters are a 30% hike in container handling charges and a steep escalation in container storage charges, which are set to rise by between 197% and 243%. FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said while the association notes MoT's decision to stagger the port tariff increase over three phases following engagement with FMM and the Malaysian National Shippers' Council, FMM maintains that the timing remains deeply concerning. 'The sharp initial escalation beginning July 1, 2025 poses immediate and damaging consequences to the cost structures of exporters and importers alike. 'This comes at a time when industries are already contending with unresolved external shocks, including the ongoing US tariff threats on Malaysian exports, the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), and a scheduled restructuring of electricity tariffs. 'The convergence of these cost pressures will deliver a heavy blow to manufacturers and exporters at a critical juncture in Malaysia's economic recovery, further eroding the country's export competitiveness,' Soh said in a statement. Under the newly gazetted tariff structure by the Port Klang Authority, container handling charges for a 20-foot container will increase by 30% in total, implemented over three phases. The current rate of RM300 will eventually rise to RM390, with an estimated RM90 added per container upon full implementation. Given that Port Klang handles about 12.5 million TEUs annually, the full increase could translate to an additional RM1.125 billion in annual costs to industry once all phases are in effect. Soh noted that Malaysian ports have traditionally enjoyed a competitive edge due to reasonable cost structures. 'However, with the new rates, container handling fees will approach US$120–130 (RM509-552) per TEU, similar to rates in Singapore and Hong Kong, but well above Asean neighbours such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. 'This will erode Malaysia's value proposition and increase the risk of cargo diversion to competing regional ports. 'Furthermore, Malaysia's drop to 34th in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking and its current standing at 26th in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index highlight the urgency of containing cost escalations. 'This tariff hike sends the wrong signal to investors and could significantly disrupt trade flow and business planning at a time when manufacturers are already struggling with margin pressures, high logistics costs, and global uncertainty,' Soh said. FMM said the government must take a holistic view of the cascading cost impacts on Malaysian businesses and consumers. 'Port tariffs, SST expansion, electricity hikes and international trade headwinds must be evaluated together. No single ministry or agency can make isolated decisions without assessing the full burden being placed on industry,' Soh said. FMM called for an immediate pause in the implementation of the port tariff increase, electricity base tariff revision and expanded SST scope. 'We urge the government to reconvene with industry stakeholders to reassess the economic and operational consequences and align all measures under a coordinated national cost impact strategy. If these measures proceed as scheduled, July 1, 2025 will mark a critical inflection point for Malaysian industry. 'A combination of port tariff hikes, new SST taxes, electricity cost increases, and global tariff threats will crash down on businesses, overwhelming their ability to remain competitive and sustainable. These cost increases will eventually translate into higher prices for consumers and a slowdown in manufacturing investment and job creation,' Soh said. FMM stands ready to work with the government to realign policy implementation timelines, ensure transparency in cost justifications, and develop a coordinated national strategy to support industry growth and protect the welfare of consumers.
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Zawya
Qatar: MoT public survey to shape modern public transport continues
Doha, Qatar: To shape people friendly public transport system in the country, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) is conducting a survey on Qatar Public Transport Master Plan which will continue in the month of June. The Ministry said on its official X account, that it is conducting a public survey on Qatar Public Transport Master Plan as part of its 'efforts to enhance public transport services in line with community expectations'. The MoT's field survey campaign is running through June 2025, the Ministry added. 'We will be with you at the metro stations, trams, buses, marketplaces and shopping malls as our goal to listen to you and understand your travel preferences … By talking to us, we can improve public transport to serve you better.' The Ministry had announced earlier in April this year that it had started developing the Qatar Public Transport Master Plan (QPTMP) aimed at creating a more efficient and competitive public transportation system and striking a balance between Qatar's rapid urban growth and its commitment to sustainability, leading ultimately to a more efficient and future-ready public transit system. The QPTMP also aims at improving accessibility and coverage, raising service reliability, and exploring innovative mobility solutions that keep pace with latest advancements. The ongoing public survey will help the Ministry to understand public preferences, mobility habits, and opinions on existing and potential public transportation modes. The MoT has emphasised the significance of public involvement in this survey to ensure that the QPTMP aligns with the needs and expectations of the community. All collected data will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used solely for the purposes of this study. The QPTMP aims to enhance accessibility and coverage by ensuring that public transportation services are accessible to all regions and demographics. It intends to improve service reliability by developing a dependable and punctual public transport system. It will explore innovative mobility solutions by incorporating advanced technologies and sustainable practices into the transportation network. It will also address environmental concerns by reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions, contributing to Qatar's commitment to sustainability. Bypassing conventional frameworks, the QPTMP will strategically guide the evolution of the transit system to address challenges associated with escalating vehicular dependency, congestion, and environmental impact. The QPTMP will study the status quo of traffic congestion of both private vehicles and public transportation and carbon emissions and their impact on Qatar's climate quality with a view to suggesting suitable solutions, the Ministry had said earlier. Leveraging advanced and efficient public transportation solutions, and sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure is among QPTMP's top priorities through providing advanced electric transportation systems to help lower carbon footprint and, consequently, improve Qatar's climate quality in step with the QNV 2030's pillar of environmental development, in addition to serving a diverse audience, including policymakers, government officials, developers, investors, consultants, engineers, and planners by equipping those stakeholders with actionable frame-works and guidelines for effective planning, design, implementation, and operation of public transit services. The QPTMP will also encompass prescriptive policies, laws and regulations, accompanied by a robust monitoring program for integrated and comprehensive solutions through harnessing innovation to meet the growing needs for a coherent, advanced, and sustainable national public transportation system. This aligns with MoT's endeavour to achieve the goals of the National Development Strategy and QNV 2030. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Qatar Tribune
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Qatar Tribune
MoT conducts campaigns on violating passenger transportation companies
DOHA: The Ministry of Transport (MoT), in collaboration with the relevant departments of the Ministry of Interior, is conducting campaigns to make sure that passenger transportation companies have obtained the required licences from the MoT and are following the requirements as per Law No. 8 of 2019 Regulating Road Transport and its Implementing Regulations issued by the Minister of Transport's Decision No 13 of 2024. The MoT's campaigns have found out that the company TaxiF is violating the laws by offering the service of passenger transportation via electronic applications without prior MoT licence. The campaigns also registered 11 violations for drivers of licensed limousine companies and 13 violations for drivers transporting passengers using private cars without a license, in violation of the abovementioned law and its regulations. The campaigns during Q1 of 2025 reported 66 violations for licensed limousine companies that do the business of passenger transportation via electronic applications. With such drives, the MoT continues to make sure the companies that perform that business follow all required safety standards and the requirements of the law in effect to make sure the companies provide the highest quality of service in a fair competitive environment. The MoT will continue cracking down on the unlicensed companies. The MoT will apply the applicable laws and regulations on the violating companies. It urges the companies to follow the laws in force and obtain the necessary licenses to be able to do the business legally.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang water taxi project postponed as company fails to meet prerequisites
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government's intention to introduce a water taxi service in the state has had to be postponed after the selected company failed to meet the approval conditions set by relevant agencies. State Transport Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project, which received conditional approval from the Transport Ministry (MoT) had undergone several phases, including the company selection process through the Request for Proposal (RFP) method. The project proposal was submitted to MoT on April 25, 2022, and conditional approval was granted via a letter dated Oct 18 the same year. "The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) called for RFP proposals to appoint a company interested in implementing the service. "The RFP was advertised on Dec 12, 2022 and closed on Feb 27, 2023. Two companies submitted proposals and underwent an evaluation process by the MBPP's technical evaluation committee," he said. Zairil (PH-Tanjung Bungah) said this in response to a written question from Teh Lai Heng (PH-Komtar) regarding the latest status of the water taxi service during the state legislative assembly sitting today. He said one of the companies was selected and issued a letter of intent to proceed with the project. "However, the company failed to obtain all the necessary approvals from relevant agencies such as the Marine Department, Penang Port Commission (SPPP), District and Land Office, and the Maritime Department. "As a result of this failure, the MBPP procurement board decided to cancel the RFP, and a cancellation letter was issued to the company on April 17. "The state government is currently in discussions with the MoT to re-evaluate the terms and feasibility of the project in more detail," he added. Zairil said if the RFP is reopened in the future, the state government hoped that interested companies would be truly prepared and have the capacity to meet all the required conditions. The water taxi project was originally proposed to operate at four jetty locations identified as suitable pick-up and drop-off points for passengers. The project, which was expected to begin operations in 2024, was envisioned as a new mode of public transportation for Penang residents. The water taxi service is also included in the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP). Following that, the state government and MBPP opened the RFP in 2022 for companies interested in bidding for the project.
