Caretaker MB: Tesla's entry into Selangor will attract more investors; matches state's best 5G plans

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — Electric car company Tesla Inc's decision to set up its Malaysian base in Selangor this year will draw in more international investors to the state, its caretaker menteri besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said today.

Amirudin said this will also be in line with plans to turn Selangor into one with the most efficient 5G internet facility in Southeast Asia.

In a statement today, Amirudin said the Selangor state government welcomes and is ready to facilitate Tesla's entry into the state, adding that the relevant district offices and local authorities are ready to coordinate Tesla's investment in locations identified in Selangor's Petaling district and Sepang district.

“Tesla Inc's presence in Selangor reflects the confidence of investors towards this administration and will encourage more international companies in the battery technology industry to invest in Selangor, and increase the younger generation's desire to study high technology, especially in the clean energy industry.

“This is not only important in the industry of private vehicles, but also the use of clean battery technology in the public transportation industry such as rail, buses and vans,” he said.

“This development is also in line with the state government's wish to turn Selangor into a state with the most efficient 5G facility in Southeast Asia as among the foundation to attract more investors from domestically or from overseas who can offer higher-income job opportunities, particularly to the people in Selangor,” he said.

Amirudin said Tesla's decision to set up its head office, service centre, and experience centre in Selangor this year resulted from a discussion this morning between Tesla Inc's CEO Elon Musk with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and two ministers.

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil had also attended this morning's meeting which was held via video-conferencing.

On March 1, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) announced US-based Tesla's decision to establish its presence in Malaysia by setting up a head office, Tesla Experience and Service centres and a supercharger network here, adding that this is expected to create better-paying jobs for Malaysians and increase participation of local companies in Tesla's ecosystem.

Tengku Zafrul on March 6 said Tesla's decision to invest in Malaysia was based on the country's strong electrical and electronics (E&E) industry, with the country being a big part of Tesla's supply chain. Malaysia is the seventh largest producer in the E&E and semiconductor sector which provides parts for the manufacturing of electric vehicles.

Tesla is set to officially launch in Malaysia on July 20 and has unveiled its official price listing for the Tesla Model Y car which will be sold in Malaysia from RM199,000 onwards.