Zafrul: Tesla Partnership Key to Malaysia’s Regional Green Tech Hub Ambition

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, has highlighted Malaysia's growing role as a green technology hub in the region, following a strategic discussion with Tesla yesterday.

The meeting, led by Tesla's Regional Director Isabel Fan, focused on the company's ongoing and future contributions to Malaysia's EV ecosystem. It was initiated in response to criticism faced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who remarked that Tesla was struggling globally against the rise of Chinese EVs when addressing a report by Thailand’s The Nation on Tesla potentially shelving plans to establish a factory in Southeast Asia.

In a statement shared on his social media, Tengku Zafrul emphasised Tesla's commitment to supporting the local industry, particularly through collaborations with nine Malaysian companies to develop EV charging infrastructure.

Additionally, Tesla plans to partner with local higher education institutions to facilitate knowledge transfer and human capital development in the green technology sector.

Tengku Zafrul also noted that one of the key topics discussed was the potential to explore battery energy storage system (BESS) implementation to enhance energy efficiency and stabilise the country’s electricity grid. This technology could play a crucial role in advancing the country's sustainable energy goals.

"May this joint effort continue to grow, bringing great benefits to our country's economy, technology, and sustainable energy," Tengku Zafrul stated, expressing optimism about the future of Malaysia's green technology sector.

The discussion also reviewed the progress and implementation of the Global Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) AP Scheme. Tesla has made significant strides in Malaysia, having installed 52 Supercharger and 54 Destination Charger. Additionally, Tesla through its local contractors had also installed more than 4,500 Tesla home chargers across Peninsular Malaysia as of the end of July 2024.

Tengku Zafrul also highlighted that Tesla's investment in developing infrastructure within the country has now reached US$13.5 million (RM59.06 million).