KUCHING: The Association of Malay Importers and Traders of Motor Vehicles Malaysia (Pekema) Sarawak strongly supports the State government’s vision and goal in the use of electric vehicles (EV).
Its chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Abang Khalid Marzuki said Pekema believed that motorists would slowly shift to EVs and hydrogen fuel vehicles which are more environmentally friendly.
“Therefore, I appeal to Sarawak government to enable Pekema members to be directly involved in efforts to develop the infrastructure for the use of EVs,” he said during Pekema’s 31st anniversary dinner at a hotel here on Friday night.
He said with the experience Pekema has in the automotive industry, its members wanted to be part of these new development possibilities for a better future that is based on development of green technology.
“Pekema wants to have an allocation for APs to import these vehicles and special incentives to bring these types of vehicles to Sarawak.
“At the moment Pekema does not receive any special incentives from the State government to import these vehicles due to the high price,” he stressed.
Abang Khalid said they could start with smaller quantities to gauge the demand of the people in this EV and hydrogen vehicles.
He noted that presently the Toyota Mairai and Honda Clarity models were using hydrogen fuel cell.
“As entrepreneurs we must be willing to change with the latest technology. It is no longer an option but a necessity in order to remain relevant to compete in a challenging world,” he pointed out.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who officiated at the dinner told Pekema members to explore new technologies such as hydrogen in the automotive industry.
At the function, Pekema presented a donation of RM25,000 to the Muslim community of Kampung Keranji, Lundu for building a mosque in their village.
