By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 31: The Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders Association of Malaysia (Pekema) will subsidise 50 per cent of the cost to install charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) on its member companies’ premises.
Pekema Sarawak president Dato Ismail Abang Saufi said that the subsidy is to encourage its 307 member companies nationwide including 34 member companies based in Sarawak to put up EV charging stations on their premises.
“We understand that one of the main concerns with EV is the availability of charging stations. We are committed to working with governments and private organisations to increase the number of charging stations to make it easier for owners to charge their vehicles.
“In Sarawak, Pekema is collaborating with SEDC Energy where we are eager to introduce to our members the range of EVs in Sarawak,” he said when speaking at the 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.
With outlets all over the country, Ismail emphasised that Pekema is confident that it can source and supply not just a variety of EVs but also fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) required for the Sarawak market.
“Through this collaboration, we hope to make it easier for EV customers to source their choice of EVs or FCEVs. Simultaneously, both parties will work together to address whatever challenges that arise.
“We are confident that the variety of EVs from Tesla, MG ZS, BMW and Kia available in the market will not only help to reduce emissions but also provide a superior driving experience,” he said.
With governments worldwide tightening regulations to achieve green sustainability and the global auto industry shifting from internal combustion engines to EVs, Ismail said Pekema is committed to being part of the journey in realising Malaysia’s plan to become carbon neutral by 2050.
“We are also anxiously waiting for any new incentives to be announced during the coming review of the National Budget at the end of February,” he added.
SEDC chairman Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Husain, Deputy State Secretary Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel as well as committee members of Pekema Central, Pekema Sabah and Pekema Sarawak were among those present. — DayakDaily
