PETALING JAYA: The official cars of cabinet ministers will be changed to electric vehicles in stages beginning next year.

Environment and water minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the government had decided to purchase electric vehicles to help achieve the zero net emission target by 2050.

He told Sin Chew Daily many countries and territories had already shifted to EVs and that the Malaysian government should also start from EVs in a bid to reduce carbon emissions.

He said the government also encouraged the public to consider EVs when they plan to replace their existing cars.

He said the official cars of cabinet ministers now are mostly Toyota Vellfire, Volvo and other models which are leased for five years typically.

“Beginning next year, any minister whose official car lease is expiring will get an EV.”

He explained that using EVs would help the government save money, as it would not only reduce carbon emissions but also fuel subsidy.

Most importantly, he emphasized, the move will help achieve the country’s zero emission goal by 2050.

“Besides, we also encourage the use of LED bulbs and electric motorcycles.”