KUCHING, July 20: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg encourages Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders Association of Malaysia (Pekema) Sarawak to look into the potential in the manufacturing of components and parts for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, particularly the hydrogen tanks.
He said the hydrogen tanks in these vehicles are made of silica fibre, and Sarawak having abundant resource of silica, can become a manufacturing hub for these hydrogen tanks for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
“We can be a manufacturer of a component for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles because we also have cheap electricity. This can help us to manufacture these components cheaply as well,” said Abang Johari during Pekema Sarawak 31st Annual Dinner here last night (July 19).
He also supported Pekema Sarawak in its proposal to apply for a special initiative to import electric or energy efficient vehicles (EVs/EEVs) and its call for a reduction of import duty on these vehicles.
As this matter is under the purview of the federal government, Abang Johari also viewed that Pekema Sarawak should suggest import tax relief on importing these EVs/EEVs because currently it is very expensive.
“There is a shift in technology and Pekema can start exploring this (hydrogen fuel cell) technology. I agree this should be given incentive, tax must be reduced to import these vehicles,” he said.
Abang Johari also suggested to Pekema Sarawak to look into the setting up of 3-in-1 fuelling stations which the state government is currently working on.
“The state government start with five first by the end of this year or early next year. If it is a success then you can come in,” he said.
Earlier Pekema Sarawak president Tan Sri Khalid Marzuki called for the state government’s support in Pekema Sarawak’s effort to bring in more EVs/EEVs into the state by encouraging the usage of these vehicles in the state as well as stimulating the state’s EVs/EEVs market.
“We are proposing to apply for allocation to get Approval Permits (APs), which is a special incentive, to help us import these EVs/EEVs into the state.
“At the moment there are no incentives for Pekema to do that, on top of a very hefty import duty,” he said.
At the moment, Kahlid said importation of these vehicles are in a very small amount. These vehicles are hydrogen fuel cells-powered Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity, he added.
Also present at the dinner were Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Pekema National deputy president Dato Nik Izani Nik Ibrahim.— DayakDaily
