Malaysia's MITI explores EV levy mechanisms to fund public charging rollout, no final decision on who pays

Malaysia's investment, trade and industry ministry is examining how to structure a proposed EV levy intended to finance nationwide public charging infrastructure, minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani told reporters at an RHB Bank conference on 5 August 2026. He said MITI has not decided whether to impose the levy directly on the public or on manufacturers, though costs passed to carmakers would likely reach consumers, and emphasised the government must balance subsidies, electricity supply costs from gas and coal generation, and the need for EV and ICE vehicle coexistence.

Why it matters: The levy debate signals Malaysia may shift from subsidy led EV support to user or industry funded charging expansion, directly affecting project finance models and site development timelines for charge point operators. Clarity on levy rates and collection points will shape procurement budgets and revenue assumptions across the Malaysian charging sector.