Malaysia accelerates EV growth with China collaboration to boost regional hub ambitions

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is accelerating, with over 100,000 electrified vehicles recorded and more than 3,300 charging stations established nationwide to date, positioning the country as a key regional hub for EV innovation.

The government’s commitment aligns with its ambitious Net Zero Goals for 2050, as it strengthens collaboration with China to drive manufacturing, research, and sustainable growth in the automotive sector, said Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) chief operating officer Mohd Sharulnizam Sarip.

Speaking at the Malaysia-China EV Forum, he highlighted the nation’s strategic initiatives to build a robust EV ecosystem via collaboration, including memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with various Chinese organisations focusing on joint ventures in manufacturing, research and development, and technology transfer.

“Such efforts aim to elevate Malaysia’s role in the regional and global EV value chain. The National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2030 remains the cornerstone of Malaysia’s EV agenda, promoting the production of eco-friendly vehicles, battery recycling facilities, and infrastructure development,” he said.

The forum, held in conjunction with the Malaysia-China Summit 2024, from Dec 17-19, was organised by China EV100, a third-party think tank, alongside Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce China.

Mohd Sharulnizam said MARii has outlined plans to develop EV battery recycling capabilities, including hydrometallurgy facilities in Perak, to support sustainable resource management in the growing EV sector.

He noted that China’s involvement in Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem brings advanced technologies and investment into the local market, boosting demand in the electronics and electrical (E&E) sector.

“These initiatives are expected to complement Malaysia’s standing as the world’s sixth-largest semiconductor exporter, further enhancing high-value manufacturing activities such as wafer fabrication and integrated circuit development.

“With growing government support, industry participation, and international collaborations, Malaysia is well on track to becoming a leading EV innovation hub in Southeast Asia,” he said.

He noted that the ongoing partnerships and sustainable practices are expected to foster a cleaner, technology-driven future, benefitting Malaysia and its global partners.

Meanwhile, during a panel session, Proton Holdings Bhd senior director of corporate strategy Yusri Yusuf emphasised the critical need for strong partnerships to ensure the success of EV adoption, highlighting collaboration as key to addressing challenges in areas such as charging applications and upstream component development

“To accelerate the industrialisation of EVs in Malaysia, we need reliable partners for technology, business, and infrastructure,” he said.

Highlighting Proton’s journey in EV development since 2009, Yusri said the company's long-term commitment to this emerging sector, has positioned it to compete in the growing EV market, driven by supportive government policies and increasing consumer demand.

“Key areas such as technology integration, policy support, and industry expectations were also highlighted as central to driving EV industrialisation,” he added.

Yusri stressed the pivotal role of policies in encouraging EV adoption while meeting consumer expectations through collaborative development efforts.

Proton is building a comprehensive EV ecosystem by partnering with industry players, including charging infrastructure and technology providers, following the launch of its first EV model, the e.MAS 7, he added.