KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 — Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad today confirmed that the government is committed to transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles (EV) this year.

He said that the transition would begin on a small scale due to financial implications.

"Last year the government made an announcement on the transition. I think the start of the government’s fleet to be EVs is very soon,” he said after the soft launch of the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here.

"But obviously it will not be implemented not in total because it is a huge fleet and because of the financial implications.

"We have to double-check, but the start of it will be this year," he said when asked for the specific timeline of the implementation.

Yesterday, utility giant Tenaga Nasional Bhd announced its commitment to a rapid and responsible energy transition, aiming to electrify 30 per cent of its operational fleet by 2030, which comprises over 1,000 vehicles.

Its president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Baharin Din said that this strategic initiative aligns with Malaysia's ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

On October 13, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced in Budget 2024 that the government was set to introduce EVs as official cars, following investments exceeding RM170 million by various companies in the local EV sector.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, pointed out the government’s effort in planning to extend the individual income tax relief up to RM2,500 on EV charging facility expenses for a period of four years.

He added that these individuals would also enjoy tax deductions for EV rental costs for another two years.