Previously, we reported that that the government has set a new target of 1.5 million electric vehicles (EVs) in the country by 2040, an increase from the previous target of 90,000 EVs by the same year.
This is in response to global migration towards EV infrastructure and a shift away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The increase in adoption will be supported by the construction of charging stations by Gentari Sdn Bhd, Tenaga Nasional, and private companies nationwide. The shift to EVs is also due to the fact that Malaysia wants to become a carbon-neutral nation by 2050.
If Malaysia wants to be successful in the digital economy, we need help from other countries that have already made significant progress in science and technology, plus other aspects of the economy.
Malay Mail reports that the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) will host two Chinese EV companies, China Harmony Auto Holding Ltd and GAC Aion New Energy Automobile Co Ltd, on 8 April to explore investment opportunities in Malaysia.
Minister Chang Lih Kang stated that Malaysia aims to achieve 38% of EVs on the road before 2024 and the targeted number of EVs by 2040, in line with the National Energy Policy 2022-2040.
During the Malaysian delegation’s visit to China, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, discussions included EVs, data centres, space technology, hydrogen, and cooperation on human vaccines, among others.
Chang also said that the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV), Malaysia’s next-generation vehicle hub, will be allocated land in Tanjong Malim, Perak, which will cover an extensive automotive and mobility solutions value chain, including a fully-fledged high technology global research and development centre, a manufacturing cluster, and supporting services, as well as an associated ecosystem.
MOSTI is still developing AHTV, and among the investments secured by the Prime Minister during his visit to China, is the RM170 billion worth of investments which includes investment related to MOSTI.
Chang also added that the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI), an agency under MOSTI, has signed a memorandum of understanding with TusStar Malaysia. TusStar Malaysia is a joint venture between Tus-Holdings Co Ltd from Tsinghua Pioneer Park and Brunsfield International Group, which is part of China’s largest technology incubator work.
