More EV charging stations in Johor soon

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor plans to have more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations located throughout the state, in particular at major tourism destinations.

State tourism, environment, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar said the state government has roped in Price Waterhouse Malaysia (PwC) to carry out a study within the next 18 months about the EV charging stations.

He said the initiative was to ensure Johor would not lose out in the tourism sector.

“Singapore has introduced a policy of fully utilising EV by 2040 in the island republic and Johor must take an early step by preparing for it.

“If we do not have enough charging stations available in the state, then we will lose out and could not attract Singaporeans driving over here with many of them expecting to use EV.

"If a tourist hotspot provides EV charging station facilities, it will definitely be an added value in attracting visitors to the location," he said after witnessing the agreement exchange between EduCity Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Skye Renewables Sdn Bhd at EduCity hub here on Monday (July 18).

Raven Kumar said presently the number of charging stations in the state was quite low and the majority of them were found in major districts such as here and Johor Baru.

“The state government wants to see charging stations available in all districts, especially at major tourism destinations in Johor.

“Such efforts also require the involvement of various parties, including the private sector, especially stakeholder industry players.

"To succeed in this, we cannot just rely on the government alone, instead industry players and various other sectors can also get involved,” he said.