KUALA LUMPUR: The use of electric vehicles (EVs) for the government’s fleet will start this year, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (pic).
The National Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister said the government will also take into account the financial implications of the move before it is fully implemented at all agencies.
“As announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last year, the government fleet will include EVs within this year.
“However, the implementation will not be done fully as it involves a huge number. We need to consider the financial implications as well,” he said yesterday.
He was speaking to reporters after the soft launch of the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2024 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here.
During his Budget 2024 speech last year, Anwar said the government will start transitioning its official vehicles to EVs beginning this year.
He said that this is a part of the government’s efforts to reduce the country’s carbon emissions.
Nik Nazmi also said that his ministry has been working closely with state authorities to ensure the development of rare earth elements (REE) are in line with government policies.
“Stern action has been taken against those who trespassed on REE sites.
“We have been working closely with the local authorities and the state governments to ensure that the development of REE is aligned with the government’s policies,” he added.
On Friday, Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said that action must to be taken against the illegal mining of REE in the state.
His Royal Highness added that the high value of the mineral has caused incidents of illegal mining by some individuals.
Earlier in his speech, Nik Nazmi said that Malaysia needs to be at the forefront of the green economy while the country is transitioning into cleaner energy.
“The main outcome of COP28 was the UAE Consensus, which stressed the commitment to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner.
“We don’t want our workers to lose their livelihoods or Malaysian companies to be shut out of key export markets, but rather to be at the forefront of the green economy,” he said.
IGEM will enter its 15th edition this year where it is expected to receive over RM4.8bil in business deals, 480 exhibitors and 48,000 visitors from over 48 countries.
