By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 31: Government agencies, especially offices under the Premier’s Department and of the Deputy Premiers should lead the charge in adopting electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) into its fleet of vehicles as Sarawak moves towards making the State greener and more sustainable.
Making this call, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Husain said it is only apt for Sarawak government agencies to switch to EVs to showcase Sarawak’s commitment to environmental sustainability and in line with the Malaysian government’s intention to increase EV adoption in its vehicle fleets beginning this year.
“We hope the government will also incentivise (the adoption of) energy efficient vehicles to promote resilient infrastructure that prioritise green-based solutions particularly the EV charging infrastructure across Sarawak, either for BEVs (battery electric vehicles) or FCEVs.
“This way, we can create awareness and promote green electric mobility to the public thus building the confidence and assurances that Sarawak is serious in preserving the environment, forward thinking in adoption of green technologies, and developing Sarawak in a sustainable manner.
“No doubt the cost may be high now, but as the demand grows and more car manufacturers shift production to EVs, BEVs or FCEVs alike, the cost will lower over time,” he said in addressing the Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders Association of Malaysia (Pekema) and SEDC EV Adoption (EV-FY Sarawak) event at the Sarawak State Library in Petra Jaya today.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the event which also witnessed the unveiling and handing over of a Tesla Model-Y from Pekema Sarawak to SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd.
Commenting on the collaboration between SEDC Energy and Pekema Sarawak, Abdul Aziz pointed out that SEDC Energy is currently piloting a subscription model starting with the Tesla Model Y with the hope of bringing more EVs into the Sarawak market in the near future.
“This echoes our country’s commitment to abate climate change effects and to significantly reduce carbon emissions in our country and State. Let Sarawak lead the way in this respect as we are in the prime condition to do so and in preserving our environment.
“We are part of the solution and we implore agencies, especially the offices of the Premier and Deputy Premiers of Sarawak to set an example and be a part of our very own electric mobility adoption efforts,” he said.
Abdul Aziz said they are also procuring hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for this very purpose, which is a brave endeavour as BEVs are more common currently.
“As it is, Sarawak stands to have more FCEVs as we continue to develop our hydrogen economy as well,” he added.
Abdul Aziz hoped to see interest and support from the many agencies at the event in taking up the subscription of EVs which would further push the development of the EV network infrastructure as Sarawak moves towards achieving its sustainable development goals with emphasis on the preservation of the environment and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Deputy State Secretary Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Pekema Sarawak president Dato Ismail Abang Saufi as well as committee members of Pekema Central, Pekema Sabah and Pekema Sarawak were among those present. — DayakDaily
