Nik Nazmi - Targeted Fuel Subsidy To Boost EV Adoption! Where Are The Ministers EV?

Bernama reported, National Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has highlighted the potential for targeted subsidies to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. He noted that China's EV sector experienced rapid growth when users were required to pay the actual cost of fuel.

Under a targeted subsidy approach based on household income, users would face the true cost of fuel, likely prompting many to transition to EVs. This factor played a significant role in China's successful EV sector expansion.

Nik Nazmi responded to a supplementary question from Wong Chen (PKR-Subang) about the need to revise the EV target of 1.5 million by 2040 and introduce incentives similar to those in China. He concurred with Wong's recommendation, agreeing that it was essential to reevaluate the earlier target and adopt a more ambitious goal to ensure the nation achieves more meaningful progress.

Wong Chen pointed out that there are currently 23 million active vehicles in the country, and the 1.5 million EV target represents only 7.0% of that figure. Therefore, he inquired whether the government should consider raising the EV target to 20% or even 30% by 2040.

Having said that, we at CariCarz would like to add that walking the talk is crucial. Even in EV-related ministries, the majority of the ministers don't own an EV while constantly advocating for EV adoption. How can they expect the people to take them seriously if they don't do what they preach which now includes increasing the EV adoption target.

Furthermore, EV’s in Malaysia to date are only attainable by the upper M40 and T20 category thanks to the same government that placed a block on EV’s below RM100,000 being imported and sold here. Even the much criticised vehicle approval permit (AP) system is still not abolished as The Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister, Tengku Zaful said yesterday when AP is necessary to ensure only quality ICE and EV are imported into the country.