KUALA LUMPUR – Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly being seen as a marker of the future, as their presence grows within Malaysia’s automotive landscape.
Yet Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid cautioned that the country cannot claim to be ready for the future if EVs remain out of reach for most Malaysians.
“Malaysia cannot claim to be ready for the future if electric vehicles remain accessible only to the wealthy while ordinary Malaysians continue struggling with cost, charging access, and confusing infrastructure,” she said.
Syerleena made the remarks following a session of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on International Relations and International Trade, which received briefings on the country’s EV ecosystem, including the National Automotive Policy 2020, AP guidelines for EVs, the development of charging infrastructure, and technical standards for EV charging system design and installation.
The session included key agencies such as the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Works, and the Energy Commission, highlighting how EV development now intersects trade, infrastructure, and energy policy rather than focusing solely on the automotive sector.
However, Syerleena warned that Malaysia’s green mobility ambitions should not exacerbate inequality.
“Owning an EV should not become a symbol of class division where urban elites enjoy modern infrastructure while ordinary Malaysians are left behind,” she said.
She also pointed out the practical challenges facing EV users, including a shortage of charging stations, inconsistent payment systems, and the inconvenience of navigating multiple apps across different providers.
“The issue of insufficient charging stations, inconsistent payment systems, and the need to download multiple apps continues to frustrate many users and discourages wider adoption,” she noted.
Syerleena emphasised that the transition to electric mobility must be practical and inclusive, extending beyond urban centres and high-income groups.
“As policymakers, we must ensure that the transition toward electric mobility is practical, inclusive, consumer-friendly, and supported by strong nationwide infrastructure — not just concentrated in major cities,” she explained.
While recognising Malaysia’s potential to become a regional EV hub, she said public confidence would depend on whether the ecosystem works for ordinary Malaysians.
“Malaysia has the potential to become a serious regional EV hub, but public confidence will depend on whether the ecosystem is truly ready for everyday Malaysians, not just investors and luxury vehicle owners,” she added.
According to SoyaCincau, EV registrations in March 2026 reached 4,717 units, a 58.5% increase from 2,976 units recorded in the same month the previous year.
Yet as of April 2026, Malaysia had only 5,619 public charging bays nationwide, including 1,898 DC fast chargers. Most remain concentrated in the Klang Valley, leaving motorists in other regions with limited access and longer charging times, FMT reported. - May 22, 2026
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