Ismail Sabri Yaakob Wants Tesla Manufacturing Unit in Malaysia

Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Malaysia's Prime Minister, wants Tesla to build a facility there. He recently asked numerous Fortune 500 firms to invest in Malaysia, including Tesla.

May 16, 2022. By News Bureau

Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Malaysia's Prime Minister, wants Tesla to build a facility there. He recently asked numerous Fortune 500 firms to invest in Malaysia, including Tesla. After meeting with Ted Osious, CEO and President of the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC), he informed local journalists that Tesla should develop electric vehicles in Malaysia.

“I’ve suggested to Tesla to invest in Malaysia in producing electric cars.”

The US-ABC was founded in 1984 and now represents over 170 American companies in Southeast Asia. Ismail stated that he has encouraged the US-ABC to play a bigger role in recruiting investments to his region and country, noting that Malaysia is a key US economic partner.

Ismail then met with James Poisant, Secretary-General of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance, following this meeting (WITSA). In September, the WITSA will host the World Congress on Information Technology in Penang.

“I hope this congress will benefit Malaysians in terms of technology.”

According to Malaysian Electric Vehicle Owners Club (MYEVOC) President Datuk Shahrol Halmi, the country currently has roughly 500 electric vehicles on the road, with many more on the way. Halmi discussed the public's interest in electric vehicles and the government's incentive to acquire them.

“There’s a bright future for EVs in Malaysia, with many expressing an interest in owning one because it is smoother and quieter than a conventional car. The current trend in Malaysia is high-end EVs from Porsche, BMW, Hyundai, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz, and now, Tesla, MG, and Audi have entered the market, too. Buyers are spoilt for choice. The Malaysian government encourages EV use, providing an exemption on import duty and more. They are better for the environment and don’t emit carbon dioxide which pollutes the air."

Tags:

Sustainable Transport

Ismail Sabri Yaakob

Malaysia

Tesla

US-ASEAN Business Council

Electric Vehicles

Electric Cars