Kuala lumpur: The government should consider expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities in rural areas and introducing incentives for EV purchase in Budget 2027 that is scheduled to be tabled this October, said automotive industry practitioner Mohd Khairull Anuar Ismail. He said that when consumers think about purchasing an EV, they would also evaluate the country's readiness in terms of available facilities, especially charging infrastructure.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Khairull Anuar emphasized that while urban areas and major highways have sufficient charging facilities, rural areas require more attention to support the continued growth in EV usage. He shared these insights after appearing as a guest on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme titled 'Malaysian Automotive: Strong Growth, New Challenges' on Friday evening.

On the Malaysian Automotive Association's recent revision of its 2026 total industry volume (TIV) forecast from 790,000 units to 800,000 units, Mohd Khairull Anuar expressed optimism about Malaysia's potential to achieve this target. He noted that it largely depends on consumer demand and the financing facilities offered by financial institutions.

When asked about the vehicle segment expected to drive automotive sales growth, he indicated that compact vehicles are currently preferred by consumers due to their fuel efficiency and practicality for daily use compared to larger vehicles.

Regarding EVs specifically, Mohd Khairull Anuar highlighted that lower charging costs compared to conventional fuel expenses and the availability of more advanced technology are key factors attracting consumer interest. 'These two factors are expected to continue driving consumer demand for vehicles, particularly EVs,' he added.