Abang Johari sits on the driver’s seat to get a feel inside the Tesla Model Y. Behind him is Abdul Aziz, while on his right is Ismail. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Jan 31): SEDC Energy and Association of Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders of Malaysia (Pekema) Sarawak are working together to bring more electric vehicles (EVs) into Sarawak.
According to Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Dato Husain, SEDC Energy is currently piloting a subscription model, starting with the Tesla Model Y.
“This model may bring in more adoption and confidence to the people as more EV offerings become available into the market. This echoes our country’s commitment of abating climate change effects and significantly reducing carbon emissions in our dear country and state.
“We want Sarawak to lead the way in this respect as we are in the prime condition to do so and in preserving our environment. We are part of the solution and we implore agencies to set an example and be a part of our very own electric mobility adoption efforts,” he said at the launch of the ‘EV-fy Adoption’ event at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak here yesterday, where Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the event.
Abdul Aziz said it was ‘very progressive and welcoming’ for organisations such as Pekema Sarawak to ally themselves with SEDC Energy in pursuing green mobility by way of developing the EV market in Sarawak.
“We hope to see the Sarawak state (government) invest in green mobility solutions and we can see this in the investments towards developing the public transport systems to fuel cell EVs.
“We hope the government would also incentivise energy efficient vehicles to promote resilient infrastructure that prioritise green-based solutions, particularly the EV charging infrastructure across the state, either for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) or Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs),” he said.
Abdul Aziz added that the collaboration between SEDC Energy and Pekema Sarawak would aspire for the Sarawak government offices and agencies to adopt EVs and FCEVs into the government fleet in supporting the Malaysian government’s call for EV adoption.
He pointed out that to showcase Sarawak’s commitment to environmental sustainability, together with the Malaysian government’s intention of switching to EVs for its vehicle fleet beginning from this year, it was only apt for the state government agencies to do the same as well.
“This way, we can create the awareness of and promote green, electric mobility to the public; thus building the confidence and assurance that Sarawak is serious in preserving the environment, forward-thinking in adoption of green technologies, and developing the state in a sustainable manner.
“No doubt the cost may be high now, but as the demand grows and more car manufacturers shift the production to EVs, BEVs or FCEVs alike, the cost would lower over time,” he said, adding that SEDC Energy was also procuring hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.
Also present at the event were Deputy State Secretary Datu Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, acting Pekema Central Committee president Datuk Muhammad Nazari Noordin, and Pekema Sarawak president Datuk Ismail Abang Saufi.