Not Enough Chargers, Now A New Levy? MP Slams Proposed Fee On EV Buyers

As previously reported, the government is considering a new levy on every EV sold in Malaysia to fund the expansion of the public charging network. The news has sparked widespread backlash, with critics pointing out the sheer contradiction of encouraging Malaysians to embrace electric mobility while simultaneously raising ownership costs.

In a report by Business Today, MCA Vice President and Tanjung Piai MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng slammed the proposed levy, questioning why ordinary consumers are being expected to foot the bill for infrastructure the government previously promised to deliver.

"What Kind Of Logic Is That?"

Wee Jeck Seng pointed out that the proposed levy effectively transfers the cost of building Malaysia’s EV ecosystem directly onto everyday consumers.

"The government encourages Malaysians to embrace EVs, yet because there are not enough charging stations, it now expects EV buyers to help fund them," Wee stated.

He noted that prospective EV buyers are already weighing multiple considerations, from initial purchase costs and charger availability to long-term ownership factors like maintenance and resale value.

Adding an extra fee on top of purchase prices risks dampening demand further, especially for middle-income households and younger families looking to make the green switch.

The Numbers Game: Missing Targets While Raising The Bar

A major point of contention is the government's track record on charging infrastructure deployment:

• Initial Goal: 10,000 public charging points.
• Actual Installed (as of May 31): Only 6,416 charging points nationwide.
• New Revised Target: 30,000 charging points by 2030.

Wee argued that before looking for new ways to charge car buyers, the government needs to explain why it failed to hit its original target in the first place. Instead of penalizing consumers, policy efforts should focus on fixing bureaucracy, streamlining approval processes for charging operators, and offering investment incentives to private operators.

Read: MITI Won’t Cap EV Charging Rates: What "No Price Control" Means For Malaysian Drivers

Who Should Actually Pay For Charging Stations?

While acknowledging that charging infrastructure requires substantial funding, Wee stressed that ordinary consumers shouldn't carry the financial burden.

Instead, a sustainable funding model should involve public-private partnerships (PPP), green financing, and contributions from commercial stakeholders who directly benefit from increased foot traffic and highway usage, including:

• Highway Concessionaires (R&R fast-charging hubs)
• Shopping Malls & Retail Hubs
• Commercial Car Park Operators
• Property Developers

Read: After RM3.3B In Forgone Taxes, MITI Signals End Of 'Free Ride' As New EV Levy Studied