Pekema S’wak ready for electric vehicle industry – President

KUCHING: The Association of Malay Importers and Traders of Motor Vehicles Malaysia (Pekema) Sarawak is ready to take on the electric vehicle ( EV) industry in line with the state government’s vision and plan to realise the use of EVs in the state.

In expressing this confidence, its president Datuk Seri Abang Khalid Abang Marzuki believes that in the next decade, the types of vehicles used will move on to EVs which are ecofriendly.

In view of this, he said Pekema Sarawak is taking the initiative to interact with several related government agencies including the Malaysia Automotive Institute ( MAI) and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) to discuss on this industry.

“This industry may be related to the business operations carried out by Pekema members although it is quite new in terms of the technology and presentation to users.

“As such, we hope that we can follow the state government delegation during their visits to countries to learn more about the EV industry,” he said at Pekema’s Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri and Ngiling Tikai celebration which was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg at a leading hotel here on Sunday.

On the other hand, Abang Khalid said Pekema, in its efforts to diversify its operations, is currently collaborating with the state government through Daya Builders Sdn Bhd to construct affordable homes, specifically for low- and middle-income groups in the state.

“This is one of the ways Pekema is responding to the government’s call to assist the rakyat and to give back to the community, particularly by providing affordable housing to those who need it,” he remarked.

He also noted that the association is active in its corporate social responsibility ( CSR) to help the needy regardless of race and religion.

According to him, the CSR, which is carried out through the Pekema Foundation, includes providing assistance to disaster victims, patients with chronic illness who cannot afford their medical treatments, students, needy families and more.

“Our CSR does not focus only on one area but covers the whole state including Simunjan, Gedong, Sarikei, Kapit, Kanowit and so on.”