The Star earlier reported that the Government may pile on more incentives for hybrid and electric vehicles. This move is being done to encourage more Malaysians to embrace environment-friendly vehicles.
On top of the current incentives, which include the 100% import duty and excise duty exemption for hybrids below 2,000 cc in place until December 2013, the Government is exploring other avenues to spur the uptake of such vehicles. One such incentive the Government is looking at is possible income tax exemption.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said that the incentives will be revealed when the second revision of National Automotive Policy is announced later this year.
He said that there are currently about 8,000 hybrid cars on the road, which the government sees as a very low figure. He added that the goal is to increase the number of both hybrid and electric vehicles on Malaysian roads significantly by 2020.
The announcement was made during the launch of Edaran Tan Chong Motor’s Nissan Leaf Pilot Programme. The Leaf is not yet available for sale in Malaysia, but it is available for a limited period for test drives at selected locations.
Our man, Danny, has taken the Leaf for a spin. Read his thoughts here.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on the blog post generally express skepticism about the effectiveness of government incentives for hybrid and electric vehicles, citing high costs, limited affordability, and market factors like high import prices and dealer profits. Some appreciate the potential environmental benefits, but many argue that car prices remain high despite incentives and advocate for broader measures like fuel tax hikes or cheaper energy to promote sustainability. Concerns about the true benefits of hybrids, their maintenance costs, and the sustainability of energy sources, including fossil fuels and nuclear options, are common. Several comments highlight issues with car import policies, cronyism, and the need for a more comprehensive and fair approach to fostering eco-friendly transportation, emphasizing that current policies may favor the rich and existing industry players over consumers and environmental progress.