KUALA LUMPUR: Cabinet minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani says he is open to Cabinet ministers using electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a cost-cutting measure amid the ongoing global oil crisis
He added that it must be backed by proper nationwide infrastructure.
"Where are you getting the public chargers? They must be available throughout the country, just like petrol stations. Only then will people feel comfortable using EVs,” the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said at a Concorde Club dialogue session at Wisma Bernama here on Tuesday (April 28).
He was asked whether the government and Cabinet ministers are prepared to implement cost-cutting measures, including using EVs as official cars, amid the ongoing global oil crisis.
"My stand on this actually is: let’s build the infrastructure together.
"Those people who want to use EVs, we welcome them. Those car manufacturers that want to produce EVs are also welcome.
"Even if they want to produce it overseas, they are subject to the same CBU taxes that we have. The rules apply equally to all countries in the world," said Johari.
In the past four years, Johari said the government had given special exemptions for EVs.
"From 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, whoever brings in CBU EV cars enjoys zero import duty, zero excise duty and zero sales tax. That is how the government created a window for four years.
"Unfortunately, within those four years, we have not seen infrastructure development widely available, especially in rural areas, kampung areas and so on," he said.
The session, chaired by Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, discussed the topic of "War and Tariffs: Our Response.
