MITI In Talks With Proton, Perodua To Speed Up Production Of National EVs - Tengku Zafrul

The International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) is in talks with local producers Proton and Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) about speeding up production of national electric vehicles (EVs) and introducing more affordable EVs according to its minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Simultaneously, the approved permit guidelines are being improved to provide flexibility in terms of the maximum number of completely built-up vehicle imports for market research pre-assembly of EVs, allowing local assemblers to assess the needs of the new market in the EV segment prior to production.

"This move is also expected to broaden the range of EV options in the market for the people," he said on Wednesday in his closing speech on the royal address for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat. For the record, at Perodua’s press conference on the company’s outlook for 2022, President and CEO Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad confirmed that development work is already underway for electrified Perodua models, which includes hybrids and electric vehicles (EV). Perodua will be investing RM 797.5 million to upgrade its test facilities, manufacturing plant, R&D centre, and digitization – all of it will also lay the foundation to support the development of hybrids and EVs.


As for Proton, deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah confirmed that the company's entry into the new energy vehicle segment will take place in three overlapping phases: initial deployment, growth, and production.

"Our pioneering phase stretches over two timelines where we will penetrate the market, develop our capabilities and strengthen market awareness. This will overlap with the EV growth phase, which will also span two time periods. "This is where we intend to begin local EV production, further develop the ecosystem, and accelerate EV adoption in Malaysia," he said.