Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's electric vehicle (EV) localisation policy should bolster the domestic industry without limiting competition, consumer choice, or investor confidence, according to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. He emphasized the importance of involving more local companies in the EV supply chain, promoting technology transfer, and creating high-value jobs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chow expressed his views at the Partnership on Renewable Energy Initiatives event between McDonald's Malaysia and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) held at McDonald's Batu Kawan Drive-Thru. He highlighted concerns about the recent completely built-up EV policy, particularly the risk of excessive market concentration in the sub-RM100,000 EV segment, and urged the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry to address these issues. Chow stressed the need for clear communication and predictable policy implementation to build investor and business community confidence.
Chow outlined Penang's energy transition goals, which include generating 10 percent of its energy from renewable sources and reducing electricity energy intensity by 25 percent by 2030, as part of the Penang Energy Framework. Additionally, he noted the state's target of having 500 EV chargers by 2030, up from the current 460, underscoring the need for infrastructure expansion alongside increased EV adoption.
The Chief Minister also discussed the new TNB Electron facility at McDonald's Batu Kawan, a 200-kilowatt direct current fast charger, marking TNB's first venture into the food and beverage sector. He hoped this initiative would be replicated at more McDonald's outlets across Penang, using Batu Kawan as a model for expansion. Chow emphasized the importance of government-industry collaboration in achieving energy transition goals.
The event also included the signing of a Supply Agreement with Renewable Energy for the next phase of McDonald's solar rooftop programme, the presentation of a Green Electricity Tariff certificate, and the launch of the TNB Electron EV charging facility. McDonald's Malaysia managing director Datuk Azmir Jaafar and TNB president Datuk Shamsul Ahmad were present at the event.