PEKEMA aims to expand EV distribution, charging infrastructure is the focus

KUCHING, 20 Sept: The Malaysian Automobile Importers and Traders Association (PEKEMA) aims for more of its members to venture into electric vehicle (EV) distribution in order to cope with the changing landscape of the country's automotive industry, especially with the emergence of new brands from China.

The President of PEKEMA Malaysia, Datuk Nazari Nordin said that PEKEMA representing about 400 members in the field of vehicle import and distribution sees the transition to EV as one of the main issues for the association members to pay attention to.

"The predictions for next year, 2027 will be more challenging due to the presence of new brands from China and also the shift in consumer tastes from cars using internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs. PEKEMA encourages our members to get involved in EV distribution, besides existing businesses", he said during a media outlet at PEKEMA EVfy Run 2026 in Kuching on Sunday.

In terms of sales performance, the volume of vehicle sales among PEKEMA members is still at almost the same level every year, with competition from existing and new brands as well as the transition to EV being among the major changes in the market.

Meanwhile, the President of PEKEMA Sarawak, Ismail Abg Saufi said that acceptance for EVs is still uncommon compared to Peninsular Malaysia, partly due to consumer concerns about availability of charging infrastructure.

"The reception of electric vehicles (EVs) in Sarawak is still not as encouraging compared to Peninsular Malaysia, as some consumers are still less confident about the availability of charging infrastructure, although the government and several related agencies are currently expanding such facilities, especially at shopping malls.

"While the provision of charging stations along routes to rural areas still needs to be improved as facilities in rest and care (R&R) are not as adequate as in Peninsular Malaysia, and improvements in infrastructure are expected to increase confidence and demand for EVs in Sarawak in the coming years", he said. -TVS