Penang Govt Acquires 15 New Toyota Camry 2.5V

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has confirmed that the state government recently purchased 15 new Toyota Camry sedans for official use, costing a total of RM3.31 million.

Each car cost about RM220,783 and was delivered two months ago. The new vehicles are allocated for state executive council members, ex-officio members, as well as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the state legislative assembly.

Chow explained that the previous fleet was over five years old and was replaced to reduce maintenance costs and for safety reasons.

However, the Penang government's decision to purchase petrol-powered Camry 2.5V variants raises questions about its commitment to sustainability.

Why didn't the state consider electric vehicles (EVs) or even the hybrid Camry 2.5 HEV, especially given Penang’s publicly stated goal to support green mobility under its Penang2030 vision?

Previously, Chow highlighted this commitment in his own words, stating, “Our green mobility initiative prioritises and supports investments to enhance resilience and establish Penang as a leader in promoting zero-emission mobility.”

Aptly, fleeting conventional petrol vehicles appears to contradict that message. This also comes amid the federal government’s broader plans.

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad had announced recently that the government would begin transitioning its official vehicles to EVs in stages starting this year.

Now given what has happened in Penang, it remains to be seen whether NRES ministers promises will materialise or become just another timely statement fit for the moment.