The government has no intention of gradually ending the Approved Permits (AP) for imported vehicles, according to Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

The system remains in effect even though the government allowed Tesla, to sell cars in the country without the usual AP requirements for imported cars.

Also read: Initial network of Tesla Superchargers in Malaysia to cover 10 locations from Penang to Johor

"We have not discussed this (abolishing the AP system) yet, there is no intention," he said while speaking to Bernama after inaugurating the Automotive High Tech Valley 2023 Global Investor and Seller Convention yesterday. 

However, to operate in Malaysia without a local Bumiputera partner supplying the AP, Tesla must install a minimum of 50 DC fast chargers with a minimum power of 180 kW. Of these, at least 30 percent or 15 chargers must be available for public use, accommodating electric vehicles from other brands.

This is based on the requirements outlined in MITI’s BEV Global Leaders initiative. Tesla is the first company to receive the above accreditation from MITI. 

Also read: Officially imported Tesla Model Y for Malaysia - from RM 199k, FSD upgrade for RM 32k, deliveries starting in 2024

Additionally, Tengku Zafrul said the application (for the special incentives) would still be used even if the approved company is another car manufacturer, as long as it brings beneficial technology to Malaysia.

"The AP still exists. What we announced is that we want them (companies) to bring that technology. We are not only consistent with Tesla but with any party that brings value equivalent to Tesla's offer, we will treat them consistently. It is not exclusively for Tesla," he further explained.

Following discussions between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Elon Musk, Founder and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk agreed to make significant investments in Malaysia, including establishing Tesla's headquarters in Cyberjaya and collaborating with the government with regard to Tesla, SpaceX, as well as the Starlink satellite internet service.

Also read: Watch out 3 Series, C-Class - Tesla's presence in Malaysia would disrupt the premium segment

Recently, Tesla announced its order books are open in Malaysia for the fully-imported (CBU) Tesla Model Y starting at RM 199k, with an option to upgrade to the Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite for a premium of RM 32k.