The Transport Ministry has instructed the Road Transport Department (RTD) to review the standard operating procedures (SOP) and regulations related to electric vehicles (EV) to ensure this sector can be developed sustainably in the country.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this is due to the possibility that some regulations are now seen to be less suitable for EVs.
“Therefore we need to make changes if there are any procedures that are not applicable or relevant for EV. This is because EV, especially heavy vehicles, is something that is new and most of the regulations were for diesel commercial vehicles,” he said.
Meanwhile, Loke said the government will also try to reduce bureaucracy to encourage the private sector to invest in the EV sector.
He said the effort was to provide a bigger market for EV and electric prime movers in the country.
“Apart from this, from the aspect of our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), this will improve the country’s image. This is because what we have now is that many multinational companies are concerned with ESG and policies to reduce their carbon footprint.
“So, our infrastructure and services in terms of logistics as well as transportation must have some form of preparation in that direction to help them (multinational companies) lower their carbon footprint.”
Loke said the effort is also important and needed in order to help the entire industrial ecosystem follow its potential in increasing the country’s competitiveness as well as attracting more investment into the country.
