Government says electric vehicle-specific policy is under development, with a task force currently working on it – MITI

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) says a policy specifically for electric vehicles (EVs) is currently under development. The policy – aimed at accelerating the country’s electrification program – has been drafted by a task force on electric vehicles, according to deputy commerce minister Liew Chin Tong.

He said the special EV task force, approved by the cabinet on February 17, will look at manufacturers, importers and brands so it can give opportunities to local companies. New Straits Times report.

“The task force will also look at the secondary aspect regarding off-grid electrical and electronic (E&E) charging stations with electric vehicle manufacturers,” he told Dewan Rakyat during today’s Q&A. .

“So the government needs a little more time to outline the future of EVs,” he said in response to an additional question from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) about the government’s efforts to open expanding EV industry in Malaysia.

Liew added that local production of EVs could even take place in the next two years, given the industry’s rapid growth on a global scale. “From pricing and production, it shows that there are rapid changes involved in competition and the transition from conventional to EV engines. According to the progressive changes in the industry, there may be new opportunities in the next year or two,” he said.

Talk about an electric vehicle-specific policy has been around for a while. In 2021, a segment-specific policy is report on the cards, but nothing comes from it. Although the government’s move to waive import duties, excise taxes and road taxes for electric vehicles, announced during the Budget 2022 tabulation process, has improved the use of electric vehicles in the country, one There should be a clear policy to point out the right direction.

A comprehensive EV policy should also include a timeline for governments to phase out internal combustion engines, as many countries have pledged.