Increase skilled EV workers in country in transition to EV-focused future, says Tengku Zafful

KUALA LUMPUR: More must be done to increase the growth of skilled electric vehicle (EV) workers in the country in an effort to keep up with the rapidly expanding EV market, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said this was to prepare the country as it aims to transition towards a more sustainable EV focused future.

“We must take more progressive steps in reskilling and upskilling our local industry players.

“Failing to do so might cause many issues for the local industry once the transition is in full swing,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul told reporters after launching E-Mobility Asia (EMA) 2023 trade show at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Wednesday (Nov 22).

On this, he said that those able to meet the minimum standards set by government agencies like Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii) should be qualified to join the industry.

“We need to look at not only training new people to join the industry but also the reskill and upskill of our existing EV workforce to address this shortage,” he added.

Tengku Zafrul’s response comes after Human Resource Minister V. Sivakumar revealed in a Parliamentary written reply dated Oct 13 that only one person in the country was currently qualified to install and maintain electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country.