The Malaysian government has recently announced Tesla‘s plan to expand its global automotive business in the country. Finally, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul officially confirmed the news through his official Twitter account on March 1, disclosing that the EV giant has already gained government approval to import its electric vehicles.
Remarkably, Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul noted that the MITI initiative’s first applicant is Tesla. Through the launch of the BEV Global Leaders program, MITI has enabled Tesla’s entry into the Malaysian EV market.
“The initiative seeks to secure investments from leading global BEV manufacturing companies in Malaysia. Tesla is the first applicant of this initiative by MITI.”
Ministry of International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul
Tesla to lead the EV market in Malaysia
Apparently, Tesla successfully obtained the necessary approval to import its electric vehicles into Malaysia. That said, we can now expect the Musk-led automaker to start shipping its EVs to the country in the coming days.
Apart from that, Tesla will also deploy its Supercharger network to aid the customers who would buy its EVs. Other EV brands may also soon be able to use the Superchargers under the company’s non-Tesla Supercharger program, which continues to expand as the years go by.
Additionally, Tesla will also erect a Head Office and Service Centers, per the announcement.
“We are pleased by Tesla’s decision to establish its presence in the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in Malaysia. This demonstrates Tesla’s confidence in our economic fundamentals and conducive business environment.”
Ministry of International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul
Tesla to boost Malaysia’s economy
Notably, it is also expected that Tesla’s investment in Malaysia will contribute to the country’s economic growth, given the extent of its presence in other local markets.
The construction of the company’s showrooms, service centers, head offices, and Supercharger stations, among others, will certainly generate job opportunities for Malaysian citizens. Tesla will also most likely train local workers to improve the country’s technical know-how in the EV industry.
Furthermore, local companies may also have the opportunity to be involved in the EV giant’s supply chain. In effect, Malaysia may have a more diversified and sustainable economy.
“This will simultaneously create skill-oriented and better paying jobs for Malaysians.”
Ministry of International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul
The country of Malaysia demonstrated its willingness to invest in and support the expansion of the EV industry with this breakthrough, which represents a significant step toward adopting sustainable transportation in the country.
Tesla’s entrance in Malaysia will also significantly aid the country’s target of deploying 100,000 EVs by 2030, alongside government-imposed tax incentives and charging infrastructure construction.
