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KUALA LUMPUR: Local authority parking fees may be waived for electric vehicles (EVs) entering cities in a move to encourage their use, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said that the proposal is being mulled following the recent announcement to introduce "green plates" for EVs.
"We are currently studying the possiblity of giving parking exemption for EV cars as a push factor for more people to buy EVs rather than traditional fossil fuel cars," he told reporters after attending an Asean-China Roundtable Talks on Urban Construction and Housing on Thursday (July 4).
He said that his ministry are holding talks with the respective local councils to consider the feasibility of the proposal.
He cited London as example where a congestion fee of about RM90 per entry is imposed on non-EV cars into the city while EVs are exempted from parking fees.
In May, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced lower road tax, as much as 85% for EVs, which will also be issued with a special plate.
The plates, Loke, said would help Fire and Rescue Department easily identify EVs in case of accidents.
On the progress of setting up some 10,000 charging stations for EVs nationwide by 2025, Nga acknowledged that progress was slower than anticipated.
At present, he said about 3,000 charging stations have so far been set up.
He added the private sector including foreign investors were welcome to set up more charging stations.
On a separate matter, Nga said that China had voiced its support for Malaysia's bid for the presidency of the UN Habitat in 2025.
He said that the country will continue to seek support for its nomination from other countries
He added that Malaysia will be hosting the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Sustainable Urbanisation in Penang next year which will be attended by 59 nations.
