REMBAU: The government will keep encouraging the use of electric vehicles (EVs) through supportive policies and proactive implementation, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said this would help reduce carbon emissions to achieve the goal of net-zero emissions.
"This is also in line with the Low Carbon Mobility Development Plan 2021-2030, which aims to reduce carbon emissions in Malaysia's transport sector.
"At present, the transport sector contributes up to 30 per cent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions.
"The government is encouraging the transition to EVs as a strategy to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to our net-zero emissions goal."
He said this after a ceremony to launch Nestle Malaysia's electric trucks at its Chembong factory here today.
Present was Nestle Malaysia chief executive officer Juan Aranols.
Loke said the initiative to transport Milo supplies from Nestle's Chembong factory to its factory in Jurong, Singapore, using electric trucks marked a step forward in sustainable logistics and was in line with the government's vision of a low-carbon economy.
"Nestle Malaysia's green logistics initiative of using electric trucks for cross-border transportation contributes to our country's goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation solutions.
"I was told that 1,750 trips to transport Milo supplies are made each year between the Chembong and Jurong factories.
"There are plans to acquire four more electric trucks to make the process 100 per cent green, potentially reducing carbon output by up to 1,000 tonnes each year."
Loke hoped more companies would emulate Nestle's efforts to adopt innovative technology to reduce environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency.
"The government is very hopeful that companies from all sectors will consider how they can play a role in achieving the country's sustainability goals."
He said his ministry had given principal approval for the proof of concept to Nestle for the use of prime movers and different company trailers to send Milo goods to Singapore.
"Usually, trucks have two licences. One for the head (prime mover) and one for the rear tank. The same company owns both licences.
"In this case, we are allowing two companies to provide the service so that Nestle can start sending goods via electric trucks quickly and reduce costs."