Govt wants 10,000 EV charging stations nationwide by 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The approval process for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure will be improved, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the matter was agreed upon in a 42nd National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) meeting.

"The availability of charging infrastructure is important for the transformation of the automotive sector.

"The EV usage target requires strong support in terms of complete infrastructure and in lieu of that, the government gives its commitment to the construction of 10,000 EV charging stations by 2025," he said in a statement on Monday (Sept 18), adding there were only 1,246 EV charging stations operational now.

Regarding the development of a national geopark, he said that the government had agreed to use the National Geopark Development Plan 2021-2030 and the National Geopark Implementation Plan to be the framework for its management and development.

He added that the proposed geopark would be developed and operated by a Federal agency in partnership with a state government.

He Anwar also said the government had also agreed to approve a policy regarding town and city development along the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) route.

Dubbed the "Land Use Master Plan for the ECRL", the policy will see the long-term development around the 20 stations and throughout the ECRL route.

"This document will be the main referral document for state and local authorities. It is expected to attract investments aimed at sustainable development to bring about balance between the east and west coasts of the country," he said.