The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum around the world. EVs are now available for purchase in Malaysia, but the high cost and lack of charging stations hinder many people from doing so. Our neighbour to the south has begun purchasing and changing to electric vehicles, and Johor is following suit.
In a news article by The Star, more electric vehicle charging stations are expected to be installed in Johor, especially at popular tourist locations.
In the upcoming 18 months, Price Waterhouse Malaysia (PwC) would conduct a study on the EV charging stations, according to the chairman of the state tourism, environment, history, and cultural committee, K. Raven Kumar. He claimed the move was taken to make sure Johor wouldn’t lose out in the tourism business.
Singapore has introduced a policy of fully utilising EV by 2040 in the island republic and Johor must take an early step by preparing for it.
If we do not have enough charging stations available in the state, then we will lose out and could not attract Singaporeans driving over here with many of them expecting to use EVs.
If a tourist hotspot provides EV charging station facilities, it will definitely be an added value in attracting visitors to the location.
State tourism, environment, history, and cultural committee, Chairman, K. Raven Kumar.
According to Raven Kumar, there are now only a very small number of charging stations in the state, and most of them are located in important areas like EduCity Iskandar and Johor Baru.
The state government, he continued, wants charging stations to be accessible in every district, particularly at the main tourist attractions in Johor and various parties, including the business sector and especially stakeholders in the industry, must be involved in such initiatives.
Raven Kumar said they need to involve industry players and a variety of other sectors in order to be successful, not only the government.
