Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

RAWANG: Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) will launch its first electric vehicle (EV) that meets national requirements at the end of this month, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the launch of Perodua’s fully Malaysian-made EV will be turned into a national agenda.

“The EV to be launched will be affordable, meet national requirements and can stimulate the economy,” he said during an engagement session with Perodua staff here on Tuesday.

Anwar will promote Perodua’s first EV while attending next week’s G20 Summit in South Africa.

The Finance Minister, said he would take the opportunity to promote the EV during his official visit to the country.

“I will be the chief marketing officer for Perodua, promoting the EV to South Africa,” he quipped while speaking during an engagement session with the staff of Perodua’s factory.

In addition, Anwar is scheduled to make official visits to Ethiopia and Kenya.

He said Brazil is expected to provide easier access for Malaysian-made products, including Perodua’s EV. 

According to the Prime Minister, this was conveyed to him by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during their meeting at the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in October.

“The domestic market will be the priority for this EV, and at the same time, we want to break into overseas markets,” he added.

The development of Perodua’s EV model will strengthen the capabilities of the national automotive industry and reflect its commitment to green technology, he said.

The development of EVs also reflects a commitment to creating job opportunities for the people, and offering affordable products with high social impact.

“Today is an opportunity to review the operations and meet the workforce that is the backbone of the success of Perodua or the “King of the Road” in Sungai Choh, Rawang, Selangor.

“During the briefing session, I was also told about Perodua’s current performance and plans for the launch of its first EV model which will be unveiled soon,” he said in a post on X.

Anwar said this initiative coincides with the spirit of Malaysia MADANI, which emphasises progress based on sustainable values, inclusiveness and the well-being of the people.

“This effort shows that economic progress and human values ​​can go hand in hand, that innovation and environmental responsibility are not different options, but two sides of a single aspiration for a MADANI nation that champions a green and competitive economy,” he added.

He said he is confident Perodua will continue to be a key catalyst in strengthening the country’s automotive ecosystem and driving Malaysia towards a more sustainable, creative and people-oriented future of mobility.