Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) industry has been experiencing encouraging growth, 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.
According to Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) chief operating officer Mohd Sharulnizam Sarip, the government’s commitment aligns with its ambitious Net Zero Goals for 2050 as it strengthens collaboration with China to drive manufacturing, research and sustainable growth in the automotive sector.
He further emphasised on the nation’s strategic initiatives to build a robust EV ecosystem via collaboration, which also include memoranda of understandings (MOUs) with various Chinese organisations focusing on joint ventures in manufacturing, research and development as well as technology transfer.
“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.
Sharulnizam also said MARii has outlined plans to develop EV battery recycling capabilities, including hydrometallurgy facilities in Perak to support sustainable resource management in the growing EV sector.
He noted that China’s involvement in Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem brings advanced technologies and investment into the local market, boosting demand in the electronics and electrical (E&E) sector.
“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.
He noted that the ongoing partnerships and sustainable practices are expected to foster a cleaner, technology-driven future, benefitting Malaysia and its global partners.
Moreover, 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.
“To accelerate the industrialisation of EVs in Malaysia, we need reliable partners for technology, business and infrastructure,” he said.
Yusri also pointed out that the company’s long-term commitment to this emerging sector has positioned it to compete in the growing EV market, driven by supportive government policies and increasing consumer demand.
“Key areas such as technology integration, policy support and industry expectations were also highlighted as central to driving EV industrialisation,” he added, stressing on the pivotal role of policies in encouraging EV adoption while meeting consumer expectations through collaborative development efforts.
Meanwhile, to further promote cooperation and exchange between Malaysia and China in the field of new energy, EVE Energy Malaysia Sdn Bhd (EVE Energy) inaugurated its new manufacturing facility in Padang Meha, Kedah, which will serve customers in the power tool and electric two-wheeler sectors across Southeast Asia, Europe and North America.
In a joint statement between the global lithium battery manufacturer and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), it was mentioned that once the facility is fully operational, it will employ 2,000 Malaysians with a majority in technical field background.
MIDA chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid congratulated the company on its impressive milestone.
“In the face of the increasingly severe challenges posed by climate change, energy transition and low-carbon development will be at the core of future industries.
“The Malaysian government places great importance on this issue and is moving forward in partnership with EVE Energy Co Ltd. Together, we are committed to promoting local economic growth and technological innovation while driving Malaysia’s energy transition and sustainable development,” he said.
At the same time, EVE Energy senior vice president Vincent Wong noted that the Malaysia plant had been completed in just 16 months since the groundbreaking in August 2023, marking significant progress in bringing equipment into the field.
“It is anticipated to commence operations in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25) and will serve as the first overseas factory to achieve mass production and delivery of EVE Energy,” the statement pointed out.
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