“The Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI) has approved TESLA’s application to import Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) into Malaysia. In realizing this objective, Tesla will establish a head office in Malaysia, introduce Tesla Experience Centres and Tesla Service Centres, and establish its Supercharger network,” Malaysia's trade ministry said in a statement.

“TESLA’s presence in Malaysia is expected to create skilled and better-paying job opportunities for workers in the BEV segment and increase the participation of local companies in the TESLA ecosystem both domestically and globally,” the Ministry added.

“We are pleased by Tesla’s decision to establish its presence in the Electric Vehicle (EV) ecosystem in Malaysia. This demonstrates Tesla’s confidence in our economic fundamentals and conducive business environment. Even as major global brands decide to invest and re-invest in Malaysia, MITI and its agencies will continue to enhance efforts to improve the ease of doing business, while continuously profiling Malaysia as pro-trade, pro-industry, and pro-investment. We will also strategically leverage on our established Electrical & Electronics ecosystem to make Malaysia the preferred investment destination for technology related to electric mobility,” said Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, the trade minister. (ILKHA)