BY SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA & NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY
KUCHING: Association of Importers and Traders of Motor Vehicles Malaysia (Pekema) Sarawak has been doing its part to encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles.
President Datuk Ismail Abang Saufi disclosed that the association had been doing road shows in major cities in the country, including Penang, Johor Bharu, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
He said the association aimed to continuously raise awareness on the benefits of electric vehicles, particularly its range and ability, ensure the readiness of infrastructure and promote the current incentives offered for electric cars and charging stations.
“The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and it is our responsibility to work towards reducing them. To realise this, public awareness needs to be strengthened to encourage more users to switch to electric vehicles.”
Ismail said this in his welcoming speech during the Pekema-SEDC Energy EV Adoption Event on Tuesday (Jan 31).
He noted that the exemption of import and excise duties as well as sales tax for imported electric vehicles as announced in Budget 2023 is very much welcomed by the association.
He said the association was anxiously waiting for any new incentives to be announced during the coming review of the Budget at the end of February.
“As a Sarawakian, I am proud that Sarawak is the first state in the country to have a legislation to enable industries operating here to comply with international requirements to reduce carbon emission.
“Our Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) has in fact gone one step ahead by introducing hydrogen-powered vehicles in Sarawak. Pekema members are absolutely excited and will treat these as new business opportunities to explore and support,” he added.
