According to Pekema Sarawak president Datuk Ismail Abang Saufi, the association currently has 307 member companies nationwide, with 34 of them based in Sarawak.

“In Sarawak, Pekema is collaborating with SEDC Energy where we are eager to introduce our members’ range of EVs. Through this collaboration, we hope to make it easier for customers to source their choice of EVs or FCEVs.

“We are confident that these electric cars will not only help to reduce emissions, but also provide a superior driving experience,” he said at the launch of the ‘EV-fy Adoption’ event at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak here today, where Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the event.

Adding on, Ismail said Pekema acknowledged that one of the main concerns about EVs was the availability of charging stations.

“We are committed to working with the government and private organisations towards increasing the number of charging stations, making it easier for our EV owners to charge their vehicles.

“To encourage our members to put up the charging station at their premises, Pekema subsidises 50 per cent of the cost,” he said, also noting that EV owners would also be exempted from road tax and could claim a personal tax exemption of up to RM2,500.

Ismail said Pekema was committed to be part of the federal government’s pledge of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

“The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and it is our responsibility to work towards reducing them. To realise this, public awareness needs to be strengthened to encourage more users to switch to EVs.

“On our part, we have been doing roadshows in a number of major cities in the country.

“Our aim is to continuously raise awareness of the benefits of EVs, particularly about its range and reliability, ensuring the readiness of infrastructure and promoting the current incentives offered for electric cars and charging stations,” he said.