KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians who earn RM120,000 or less annually can start applying for rebates of up to RM2,400 for purchase of electric motorcycles under the Electric Motorcycle Use Promotion Scheme.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz today launched the scheme, which was initially announced in 2024 Budget, dubbed "MARiiCas".
Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii) is the agency in charge of rolling out the scheme to accelerate the usage of electric motorbikes.
MARii chief executive officer Azrul Reza Aziz said that 11 local electric motorcycle manufacturers and a total of 12 models have met the eligibility criteria to be listed as electric motorcycle suppliers under the scheme.
"These companies have fulfilled key criteria, including a commitment to local assembly, achieving a minimum travel range of 100 km per full charge, and obtaining Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) certificates from the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ)," said Azrul.
The launch of the initiative today saw the activation of the MARiiCas application platform, enabling applicants to check eligibility and apply for the incentive.The models of electric motorbike under the scheme are also on the platform.
The platform can be accessed via insentif.marii.my
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the initiative is aligned with the government's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
"One of the missions under the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, 'Push for Net Zero,' has identified EVs as a key driver of green economic growth," he said.
The scheme was initially announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the 2024 Budget speech.
Tengku Zafrul says the launch of MARiiCas today is timely and MITI believes the initiative can stimulate the public acceptance to transition from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to EV usage.
"From another perspective, it is hoped to contribute to achieving the target of 20 per cent annual sales of electrified vehicles (xEVs) by 2030, as outlined in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR)," Zafrul added.
According to him, the government's commitment to further enhance the public's acceptance of transitioning to electric vehicles is comprehensive."This means that the benefits of EV mobility are not limited to cars alone but also extend to electric motorcycles, which serve as a crucial medium of transportation for the people," he continued.