KUALA LUMPUR: The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) will continuously develop and improve the national electricity grid to accommodate the increasing demand for supply, including the electric vehicle (EV) charging system, said Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that the strengthening of the national grid to support electricity supply, including EV charging stations, has already been factored into Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s capital expenditure through the Incentive Based Regulation (IBR) mechanism. He emphasized PETRA’s commitment to supporting the government’s current agenda and initiatives to accelerate the use of EVs in Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, and PETRA have formulated plans and initiatives for developing EV charging stations and a comprehensive EV adoption programme. “To date, the total number of EV charging stations n
ationwide is 3,171,” Fadillah stated while addressing the Dewan Rakyat during the policy stage debate on the 2025 Supply Bill for his ministry.

In addition, Fadillah highlighted that the Energy Commission under PETRA is responsible for regulating the safety aspects of EV charging installations and equipment to ensure public safety. He acknowledged the need for collaborative efforts from various parties to achieve the energy transition aspirations for the electricity supply sector, specifically to increase the share of renewable energy capacity to 70 per cent by 2050. PETRA appreciates suggestions for improvements related to implementing green electricity supply programmes and will review each proposal based on suitability, technical feasibility, and cost implications to the system.

Fadillah reiterated that ensuring a reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity supply remains a key focus for PETRA in leading the energy transition efforts. He mentioned that alongside existing green electricity supply pr
ogrammes, the government is undertaking foresight planning for the electricity supply sector to explore sources of electricity that can meet Malaysia’s energy needs. Fadillah concluded that to achieve the nation’s aspiration of net-zero carbon as early as 2050, the government has committed to halting the construction of new coal-fired plants and is working to reduce the carbon footprint of the country’s electricity supply system.