Kuala lumpur: The electric vehicle industry's growth should not merely concentrate on the sale of vehicles but must be underpinned by a robust ecosystem, emphasized Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. This ecosystem encompasses the advancement of local technology, the cultivation of a skilled workforce, and the establishment of a comprehensive network of public charging stations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johari visited Proton Tanjung Malim to observe Proton's advancements and to inaugurate its first production line for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). These vehicles merge an internal combustion engine (ICE) with electric vehicle (EV) technology, offering a travel distance of up to 1,100 kilometers. Proton has made strides in making hybrid technology more accessible to the public, achieving significant levels of local component integration, which reflects positively on the development of local SMEs and component manufacturers.

Johari pointed out that the lack of charging infrastructure remains a significant barrier to increasing EV adoption rates in the country. Malaysia currently has around 1,000 public chargers, a far cry from the target of 30,000. He stressed the need for collaboration among various stakeholders, such as Tenaga Nasional Berhad, local authorities, and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, to accelerate the development of charging facilities.

Highlighting the contrast with China's success in the EV sector, Johari noted that substantial government investment in public charging stations was key. In Malaysia, the absence of import or excise duties on EVs over the past four years has resulted in an estimated RM3.3 billion loss in duty collection.

Johari also underscored the importance of human capital development within the EV ecosystem. A significant portion of Proton's workforce is composed of local workers trained in technical and vocational education and training, engineering, and technical fields, which is pivotal for strengthening the industry.