Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, met with a Tesla delegation on Thursday to discuss a new development. He said that a collaboration with the manufacturer is expected to enable Malaysia to become a major green technology hub in the region.
During the discussion, the minister said that Tesla has reaffirmed its support for the local ecosystem. The Texas-based manufacturer has engaged nine Malaysian companies to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which has already yielded positive results. Tesla has also partnered with local higher education institutions to transfer knowledge and develop human capital. Tengku Zafrul expects that this collaboration will make Malaysia a major green technology hub in the region.
According to data released by the minister, as of the end of July 2024, Tesla has installed 52 250 kW Supercharger stalls, 54 Wall Connector AC chargers, and over 4,500 home chargers in Peninsular Malaysia. Tengku Zafrul also said the company’s total investment in the country is $13.5 million, demonstrating a strong commitment to developing EV charging infrastructure.
Aside from developing the charging infrastructure, the minister and Tesla discussed the great potential of battery energy storage technology, which is expected to contribute to improving the energy efficiency and stability of the Malaysian electricity grid, the minister stressed. Tengku Zafrul said the technology could reduce energy costs and strengthen the national energy infrastructure. He did not specify which Tesla products he was referring to, which could include the development of facilities using the Megapack utility energy storage battery or the Powerwall home battery.
“We also discussed the huge potential of battery energy storage technology, which is expected to improve the energy efficiency and stability of Malaysia’s power grid,” the minister wrote on X after his discussions with the delegation. “May this joint effort continue to grow, bringing great benefits to our country’s economy, technology and sustainable energy,” the minister added.
