Malaysia

Reported on December 25, 2025, a newly established electric vehicle test center (EVTC) in Bandar Baharu, Kedah became the region’s first international vehicle testing facility. Developed to strengthen the electromobility ecosystem in South and Southeast Asia, the center is owned and operated by Focus Applied Technologies Sdn. Bhd. and includes a primary testing building and a 650-meter closed-circuit track.

The center supports testing across multiple vehicle segments, from passenger cars to heavy commercial vehicles and 2- and 3-wheelers. It features segment-specific chassis dynamometers and four test cells for powertrain, battery life-cycle, and hybrid system testing, with testing operations that are largely automated, allowing up to 20 hours of daily operation and long-duration reliability programs lasting up to 1,000 hours.

The EVTC was completed with an initial MYR 3 million investment, with a further MYR 4 million expansion planned through 2027. It currently conducts testing for performance, range, emissions, battery life cycles, safety standards, and real-world operation, particularly for locally used 2- and 3-wheelers. The facility also supports global EV R&D programs across Asia and Africa and is part of the International Vehicle Test Centre Association (INVICTA). 

(From Focus Applied Technologies Sdn. Bhd. social media updates and an article of New Straits Times)

Reported on December 19, 2025, Malaysia’s Energy Commission (ST) had approved licences for 5,360 public EV chargers nationwide as of end-November, comprising 3,569 AC units and 1,791 DC fast chargers. This remains well below the government’s 10,000-charger target set under the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) 2021–2030.

The gap is mainly due to slower uptake of AC chargers, while DC fast charger deployment has outpaced expectations, already surpassing the revised 1,500-unit target. According to ST, limited market demand has constrained AC charger installations.

To accelerate rollout, ST has streamlined its Electric Vehicle Charging System (EVCS) licensing process, cutting approval times from around 60 days to 30 days, with actual approvals often taking about two weeks. This is expected to support further expansion, particularly of DC charging infrastructure, although higher costs remain a challenge.

(From an article of Paul Tan on December 19, 2025 and multiple sources)

Announced on December 22, 2025, Betamek Berhad’s wholly owned subsidiary, Betamek Electronics (M) Sdn. Bhd., has been appointed by Perodua to supply electronic components for a new vehicle model.

Under this Letter of Appointment, deliveries began in Q3 of the financial year ending March 31, 2026, with the 6-year contract effective from December 16, 2025. The project is expected to generate approximately MYR 176 million in revenue, providing long-term production visibility and supporting Betamek’s earnings as Perodua increases electronics content in its vehicles.

Perodua maintained its market leadership in Malaysia with around 44% share in the first ten months of 2025. The contract strengthens Betamek’s position within Perodua’s supply chain and enhances earnings stability amid rising demand for higher-value automotive electronics.

(From Bursa malaysia announcement dated December 22, 2025)