BY NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY & SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
KUCHING: Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and the Association of Importers and Traders of Motor Vehicles Malaysia (PEKEMA) Sarawak are pitching for electric vehicle usage in the state.
Their teaming up to develop the Electric Vehicle (EV) market in Sarawak augurs well with the push for green mobility.
SEDC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Hussain said the two organisations were therefore hoping state government offices and agencies will adopt EVs and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) into the government fleet.
He said to showcase Sarawak’s commitment to environmental sustainability, together with the Malaysian government’s intention to switch to electric vehicles for its vehicle fleet beginning from 2023, it is only apt that state government agencies do the same as well.
“This way, we can create awareness and promote green electric mobility to the public thus building the confidence and assurances that Sarawak is serious in preserving the environment, forward thinking in adoption of green technologies, and developing the state in a sustainable manner.
“It is no doubt the cost of EV may be high now, but as the demand grows and more car manufacturers shift production to electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) or BEVs alike, the cost of these vehicles will be much lower over time,” he said.
He said this during the PEKEMA-SEDC Energy EV Adoption Event at the State Library here on Tuesday (Jan 31).
In line with this, he disclosed that currently, SEDC Energy is piloting a subscription model, starting with the Tesla Model Y.
“We hope to bring in more EVs and working with PEKEMA Sarawak may bring in more EV offerings as we continue to grow and develop the EV drive.
“This model may bring in more adoption and confidence to the people as more EV offerings become available into the market,” he said.
Furthermore, with the country’s commitment to mitigate climate change and significantly reduce carbon emissions, he hoped that Sarawak would lead the way in this matter.
“This is because we are in the prime condition to do so and in preserving our environment. We are part of the solution and we implore agencies, especially the offices of the Premier and Deputy Premiers to set an example and be a part of our very own electric mobility adoption efforts,” he said.
He added that besides the BEVs SEDC Energy has acquired, it has also procured hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for this very purpose, which is a brave endeavour as it is more common for battery electric vehicles currently.
“As it is, Sarawak stands to have more FCEVs as we continue to develop our hydrogen economy as well.
“We wish to receive garnering interest and support from the many agencies here today for taking up the subscription of electric vehicles which in kind would further warrant the development of the EV network infrastructure as we move forward towards our sustainable development goals; emphasising on the preservation of our environment and in lowering our greenhouse gas emissions.
“Let us move forward to a better, greener Sarawak,” he said.
