A guideline on electric vehicle and battery management (EVBM) was launched as a forward measure and framework for the industry to self-regulate in ensuring the safe and sustainable management of EVs and EV batteries in Malaysia.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) Secretary General Datuk Hairil Yahri Yaacob said the launch of the EVBM guidelines marks a significant step in Malaysia’s push toward sustainability and productivity in the growing EV sector.
“The guidelines represent the cornerstone of all relevant stakeholders’ collective efforts in creating a robust, safe and sustainable framework for EVs and EV battery management.
“This is not just a set of rules, but a blueprint for industry-led self-regulation to foster a culture of responsibility, safety and environmental stewardship,” Hairil said during the launch of EVBM guidelines today.
The development of the guidelines, led by Northport (Malaysia) Bhd in collaboration with businesses and regulators across the EV ecosystem, was facilitated by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation with support from the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute.
He added that the guidelines, premised on the principles of life-cycle management, cover handling, transportation, disposal and recycling of EVs and EV batteries.
“In essence, the guideline aims to ensure public safety, environmental protection and the sustainability of Malaysia’s EV ecosystem,” Hairil said, adding that the guideline would help to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional manufacturing hub for electric mobility and attract future green technology investments.
He highlighted that this is just the beginning for the EV industry in Malaysia as the guideline will be updated from time to time with a review being done every six months, ensuring it becomes the foundation tool for businesses within the EV sector to meet safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.
“By adopting these guidelines, the industry will enhance productivity and competitiveness while maintaining high standards of compliance,” Hairil said.
Risks Associated With Lithium-ion Batteries
Meanwhile, Northport Chief Executive Officer Datuk Azman Shah Mohd Yusof said the adoption of the guideline by industry stakeholders and owners is important in ensuring the EV supply chain operates safely and efficiently as the rise in EV acceptance accelerates.
“I can proudly say that Malaysia is the first country in the world to come out with this guideline, not even Singapore or Germany.
“However, it is not an easy journey in developing the guideline as it involves the collaboration of various ministries, agencies and industry players. Hence, after multiple workshops and dialogue sessions between all relevant stakeholders, we have successfully come out with this guideline,” Azman Shah said in his sharing of the industry insight.
He noted that there are various inherent risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, the main components of EV batteries, and among it are thermal runaway, fire hazard, overcharging and over-discharging, and recycling challenges.
“Thermal runaway is a chain reaction of overheating and combustion, this can occur if the battery cells are damaged, overcharged or subjected to extreme temperature and it can lead to fires and explosions.
“While fire hazard for lithium-ion batteries is relatively rare, it can be both challenging to manage and pose safety risks to individuals and property as it requires around 30,000 litres of water (if you are lucky) to manage the fire caused by a lithium-ion battery compared to just 3,000 litres to manage an internal combustion engine’s fire,” Azman Shah said.
He added that charging a lithium-ion battery beyond its recommended voltage or discharging it too much can lead to stress on the battery cell, hence, reducing its lifespan and increasing the risk of thermal runaway.
“Nevertheless, one of the biggest issues we face with lithium-ion batteries is its disposal and recycling because improper or illegal disposal can lead to potential release of hazardous materials.
“Coming from the port perspective, what we feared most is undeclared lithium-ion batteries for disposal because if it is declared then we will know what mitigation procedure to take when an unwanted situation happens but when it is not then it makes the whole mitigation procedure harder,” he said while citing several global incidents in India and Germany involving the improper handling of EV batteries which led to catastrophic fires.
He stressed that these incidents further underscore the importance of stringent guidelines and handling procedures related to EV batteries.
On that note, it is revealed that the Department of Environment (DOE) has so far established two EV battery disposal centres in Malaysia, one in Klang and another in Ipoh, and in the next 12 months, DOE is looking at establishing more centres to cater to the increasing EV adoption in Malaysia.
Specialised Warehouse
Meanwhile, Azman Shah highlighted that Northport has put forward the recommendation of constructing a specialised warehouse for EV battery storage.
“This specialised warehouse will be helpful in the whole supply chain of EV and EVBM in Malaysia — from the moment it arrives in our port to the delivery of the EV to its owners to the recycling and disposal of the EV batteries.
“As such, there are several safety aspects the warehouse needs to have including the availability of specially designed lithium-ion batteries fire extinguishers, automatic fire shutters that will compartmentalise the fire from spreading to other parts or sections of the warehouse, clean and organised warehousing activities as well as processes to ensure safe warehouse operations, and clear standard operating procedures and work instructions that must fully abide by all,” he said.
Overall, Azman Shah said by prioritising safe handling, transportation and disposal of EV batteries, Malaysia is not only protecting the environment but also boosting productivity by creating a more efficient and sustainable framework for all stakeholders.
