KUALA LUMPUR: The Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry is working with the Selangor and Johor state governments to ensure that every district in these two states is equipped with direct current (DC) electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong said the ministry is focused on this initiative to guarantee that each district has multiple DC charging stations.
"We hope that after the pilot projects in Johor and Selangor, we will be able to expand it to all states, ensuring that every district across the country has accessible EV charging points," he said in response to Datuk Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu).
Ku Abd Rahman had inquired if the ministry plans to increase the number of charging stations, particularly in rural areas.
Liew said the move is part of Malaysia's broader strategy to enhance EV infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles nationwide.
He said the ministry is still maintaining its target of 10,000 EV charging stations operating in the country by 2025.
"But, what we want to emphasise is the DC charging points, which we have increased the target from 1,000 to 1,500 units by next year. At present, we have 500 DC charging points."
Meanwhile, as of Sept 30, a total of 33,319 EVs have been sold in Malaysia, accounting for 5.11 per cent of the country's total annual vehicle sales.
Liew said this figure includes hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles.
"As of Oct 31, 3,354 charging stations have been installed nationwide, ensuring that the growing number of EVs can be conveniently charged," he said in response to the initial question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka).
Khoo inquired about the government's efforts to encourage local industry players to boost EV production and meet local demand, while also working towards the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.