Tesla to discuss investment plans with MITI, says Zafrul Abdul Aziz

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A representative from Tesla's headquarters in the United States will reportedly be meeting with the investment, trade and industry ministry (MITI) on 22 August to discuss investments plans in Malaysia.

Minister Zafrul Abdul Aziz reportedly said that the previous agreement with Tesla was for it to invest in the country's electric vehicle (EV) charging and research and development ecosystem as well as related sectors, reported The Star.

He reportedly added that Tesla had not made any promises to open a factory in Malaysia.

Don't miss: Tesla's plans to scrap production in SEA a commercial decision, says MITI

Speaking with reporters after officiating the Mini MITI day programme and ceremony, the minister reportedly said that an official statement would be released following the meeting with Tesla.

He reportedly added that he wishes to know what Tesla's plans are and said that the existing Tesla service centre will continue to operate as usual.

This comes as Tesla reportedly plans to scrap plans for its production operations in Southeast Asia.

On 7 August, a Thai online news portal called The Nation, quoted a source in the government saying that Tesla has scrapped its plans to set up an electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

In tandem, a spokesperson from MITI reportedly said that Tesla's decision does not reflect the industrial reforms and improved investment landscape that the ministry and its agencies have been working on since December 2022, reported Bernama.

The MITI spokesperson reportedly emphasised that the news report is not an official statement from Tesla and that a confirmation of the report would have to come from Tesla.

In November last year, it was reported that Malaysia has allowed Tesla and Starlink Internet Services Malaysia to operate in the country as fully foreign-owned entities. The decision was made after considering the benefits that the companies could bring to the nation.

The decision to allow Tesla full foreign ownership was also part of the Malaysian government’s aim to expand and diversify the manufacturing sector through existing and new companies, according to The Star.

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