PETRA JAYA: The Association of Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders of Malaysia (Pekema) should form consortium s to establish joint ventures (JVs) or set up local manufacturing for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, particularly in Sarawak and Sabah where industry players remain scarce. In suggesting this. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof stressed the need to expand EV charging infrastructure, particularly direct current (DC) fast chargers, which are essential for supporting the transition to electric vehicles. "Our target by year-end is to have 10,000 EV charging stations nationwide including in Sarawak and Sabah," he said at Pekema''s Ramadan iftar ceremony here yesterday. Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, emphasised that industry players must be prepared for the evolving automotive landscape, particularly as the global shift towards EVs accelerates. “The government is preparing a roadmap to help businesses remain resilient amid evolving challenges, including artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies. "With the liberalisation of Approved Permits (APs), competition is set to increase, and industry players must plan their direction carefully to ensure long-term sustainability.'' When asked whether the country''s power supply is sufficient to support widespread EV adoption, Fadillah assured that the government has factored this into its long-term strategy. "We have considered this under Malaysia''s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050. We have targets and strategies for power generation, ensuring we can produce sufifcient energy," he said. He explained that the government''s approach includes diversifying energy sources under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), with Sarawak already leading in renewable energy development. "That is why we are adopting multiple strategies. Sarawak, for instance, is quite advanced in renewable energy, not only relying on hydropower and gas but also exploring solar and other new energy sources," he added. He emphasised that the federal government''s approach focuses on three key aspects: ensuring energy security, expanding renewable energy for sustainability, and keeping costs affordable. To further bolster grid stability, Fadillah said Malaysia is also pushing for greater regional energy integration through the Asean power grid, which allows countries to share electricity during shortages. “That is why we are championing the Asean power grid. If Asean is well-integrated in energy, we can support each other in times of shortage. “For example, in Peninsular Malaysia, we have the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore interconnection. Laos sells electricity to Singapore, passing through Thailand and Malaysia, and when there''s a shortfall, we can buy back from Singapore or Thailand." He also highlighted the need to anticipate the transition to hydrogen-powered vehicles which, like EVs, require dedicated refuelling infrastructure. "We must also be prepared for a future where all vehicles shift to hydrogen, as they will require refuelling stations," he said. To ensure long-term sustainability, Fadillah urged Pekema to take proactive steps such as investing in hydrogen infrastructure and diversifying beyond just importing and selling vehicles, to secure their place in the evolving automotive industry. The event yesterday also saw cash contributions presented to too orphans from Kompleks Kebajikan Laila Taib. Also present were Women. Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Deputy Minister in the Premier''s Department Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, and Pekema advisor Dato Zainuddin Abd Rahman..