Onboard charging standards: Why Malaysia’s public transit needs an urgent overhaul

A RECENT tragedy involving a passenger who was electrocuted while using an onboard charging facility on a Malaysian bus has drawn urgent attention to a critical gap in our public transport infrastructure.

As Malaysia pushes for wider adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), including public buses and trains, there’s a glaring need for a robust framework to ensure onboard charging facilities are both safe and reliable. This isn’t just about technical upgrades; it’s about preventing future tragedies and keeping up with a world that is moving fast toward safer, greener public transit systems. As other nations lead with strict standards and supportive policies, Malaysia cannot afford to delay addressing these safety issues.