SHAH ALAM, Aug 13 — The state government welcomes Tesla Inc’s continued investment plans in the state in the future, particularly in relation to research and development and the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) service centres.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the invitation was in line with Tesla owner Elon Musk’s aim to expand the company’s Asia market.
He said so far, the EV giant has pursued operations in Selangor, including the opening of its Cyberjaya headquarters in addition to opening a charging centre.
“The headquarters and charging centres are already there. It will probably open the service centres after this because it wants to expand its market in Asia,” he said when commenting on a report saying Tesla had cancelled plans to develop a factory in Thailand recently.
Tesla has established four experience centres in Malaysia and exceeded its target by installing 52 units of instant chargers with a capacity of over 180kW in various places in the Klang Valley, Johor, Melaka, Penang and Pahang.
The menteri besar said at a press conference after the Selangor People’s Tuition Programme launch, at Dewan Raja Muda Musa here, that the influx of semiconductor investors is extraordinary, and the state government is ready to develop a second integrated circuit (IC) design park as the quota at the first IC park is expected to be filled soon.
Meanwhile, the Selangor government is distributing over 100,000 national flags in the state under the Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign for Merdeka this year.
Amirudin said the flags are being distributed through local authorities and 56 community service centres.
“We hope residents will fly these flags, which will surely foster a greater sense of patriotism among the people, especially as we approach the Merdeka celebration.
“The spirit of patriotism and love for our country transcends politics. Let us all celebrate Merdeka with the proud display of our national flag,” he said.
In addition to the local authorities and community service centres, Amirudin suggested all state-owned subsidiaries distribute Jalur Gemilang to their workers, encouraging them to exhibit them in offices and other appropriate locations.
— Bernama
