
Johor-based Gemilang supports the government’s decision to keep EV import taxes in place through the end of 2024. This will undoubtedly contribute to an increase in the demand for EV in Malaysia. The government’s allocation of RM180 million for the bus sector to increase the outreach to passengers in Malacca, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching bodes well for bus makers like Gemilang.
It is a timely action to improve the connectivity in these states while promoting the uptake of EV buses as the industry moves to going green. We hope that there will be more initiatives to promote the development of EV buses in Malaysia and to create a green operating environment for the bus industry. We are already collaborating with the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak on the introduction of EV buses within the state, which is currently in the trial stage.
One of Gemilang’s first ventures into the EV market as a pioneer in Malaysia was in 2015, when the company provided 15 electric buses to BYD for use on the Sunway BRT Line. Gemilang has obtained contracts internationally as well, and this year, Gemilang will send 140 electric buses to the US.