In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz explained that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry had engaged in discussions with Tesla founder Elon Musk in efforts to attract investment, but these discussions did not involve setting up a factory. ― Reuters picKUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 — Tesla has never committed to opening a factory in Malaysia, said Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
“Secondly, Miti has never announced that Tesla will open a factory in Malaysia. We have had discussions with Elon Musk in efforts to attract investment, but Tesla has never committed to opening a factory here,” Tengku Zafrul said. “Tesla is not proceeding with plans in Malaysia, Indonesia, or other locations except in China, the United States, and Germany,” the news portal reported.
In addition to introducing a range of advanced electric vehicles to Malaysian consumers, Tesla is also committed to investing in a comprehensive network of fast and standard charging stations across strategic locations in Malaysia, as well as establishing its state-of-the-art headquarters and service centre in Cyberjaya, Selangor.
Additionally, interested EV manufacturers must collaborate with at least 10 local companies to develop the EV charging industry ecosystem, including employing local contractors for EV charging installation and suppliers of equipment such as transformers and cables, among others. “So far, only Tesla has applied and been approved for participation in this Global BEV Initiative, but we welcome other EV manufacturers to join. So, when it is said that Tesla receives special treatment, that is not accurate; any company can apply for this initiative,” he said.