Latest news with #NurSabahiahAbdulSukor
Sinar Daily
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Sinar Daily
To buy or to wait? Experts urge caution for Malaysians considering an EV purchase
SHAH ALAM – As electric vehicles (EVs) gain traction worldwide, Malaysian consumers are asking a pressing question: Is it the right time to buy one or should they wait? While EVs offer long-term benefits like lower running costs and environmental gains, challenges in pricing, reliability and after-sales support have made the decision more complex. As EVs gain global popularity, Malaysian consumers are left wondering whether to buy now or wait. Photo edited via Canva Experts and users alike have voiced concerns, urging caution as the local EV ecosystem continues to develop. Automotive expert Associate Professor Dr Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) urged Malaysians to consider the long-term benefits of owning an EV, such as lower operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint. She stated that high initial prices and concerns about reliability are key challenges buyers should be aware of. 'While some issues are to be expected as part of the industry's growing pains, the recurring nature of technical failures and service shortcomings indicates deeper structural problems that must be resolved. 'It is crucial for prospective EV buyers to stay informed about technological advancements, policy changes and improvements in infrastructure to make sound, future-proof decisions," she told Sinar Daily recently. On the affordability and practicality front, Road Safety Research Centre head at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Law Teik Hua said that for many Malaysians, particularly middle-income earners living outside major cities, EVs are still a luxury rather than a practical primary option. The high ownership cost, often exceeding RM100,000, combined with limited local experience, makes EVs a significant financial risk for many. 'While some challenges mirror typical growing pains seen in other countries' early EV adoption phases, Malaysia's situation also exposes deeper policy issues. 'These include incentives focused more on sales volume than environmental impact, a lack of strict servicing standards and insufficient consumer protections for automotive technology. "At present, EVs mainly suit tech-savvy, higher-income urbanites with easy access to charging and maintenance. "For the majority, it may be wiser to wait until legal frameworks, infrastructure and support systems are more fully developed," he said. EVs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Photo edited via Canva Managing Editor Keshvinder Singh Dhillon said that EVs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. For those who drive long distances, a plug-in hybrid could offer a more practical solution. Professionals like doctors with consistent daily schedules and access to charging at work may find a fully electric vehicle to be an ideal fit. 'As technology advances, EVs will continue to evolve and find a home in more lifestyles. However, policymakers must broaden their focus beyond private ownership. 'Industrial vehicles such as planes, ships and trucks are among the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. If Malaysia is serious about achieving its zero emissions target, it must also encourage EV adoption among fleet and industrial vehicle operators," he said. Real-Life Safety Concerns Safety and reliability remain key concerns for many potential buyers. In early May, two Malaysian EV owners raised public alarm over dangerous breakdowns that threatened their families' lives. On May 1, Facebook user Nur Afifah Abdul Rahim shared a detailed account from her husband about their BYD Atto 3. The car suddenly stopped on the Cheras-Kajang highway with a 'Power System Failure' warning, locking all four tyres without warning and causing traffic chaos. The couple faced delayed responses and poor customer service from the dealer, who told them the cause was a faulty 12V battery not covered under warranty due to mileage. The car was only 10 months old and no warning system had alerted them to the battery issue beforehand. Similarly, on May 6, Facebook user HL Tan, owner of an Audi e-tron GT imported from Japan in late 2024, reported three breakdowns in just over 13,000km. The latest occurred on the North-South Expressway while he was driving with his wife and two children. The car shut down mid-highway amidst moving traffic. Tan had experienced similar failures in March and just before Aidilfitri. Despite workshop visits and part replacements, no definitive fix was found. While praising Audi Malaysia's after-sales professionalism, Tan said Audi AG must intervene, as the car's repeated failures posed a serious safety risk.
Sinar Daily
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Sinar Daily
Are EVs safe enough? Experts warn of risks as Malaysia's infrastructure lags
SHAH ALAM – The rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia has outpaced the country's capacity to enforce safety regulations, uphold quality standards and protect consumers. Although Malaysia's push towards electric mobility reflects significant progress, automotive experts are warning that supporting infrastructure, consumer protections and technical assistance frameworks have not kept pace. The rapid growth of EVs in Malaysia has outpaced the country's ability to enforce safety rules, maintain quality standards and protect consumers. - Photo edited via Canva They cautioned that early adopters may be exposed to greater risks as a result. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Civil Engineering Associate Professor Dr Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor believes the EV rollout is moving faster than the country's preparedness in key areas such as consumer protection, servicing infrastructure and quality assurance. She referred to recent incidents involving EVs suddenly stalling in traffic, including models like the BYD Atto 3 and Audi e-tron GT and raised concerns about gaps in after-sales support and the lack of clear responsibility when technical issues arise. 'These incidents, coupled with inconsistent after-sales support and unclear lines of accountability, point to an underdeveloped infrastructure that is struggling to meet the demands of a growing EV market. 'Technical issues occurring even in EVs from well-established brands highlight the limitations of current quality control systems, which may not yet be fully tailored to the unique demands of EV technology. "Manufacturers must improve their quality assurance processes, especially by focusing on EV-specific components and systems," she told Sinar Daily recently. She also called on regulatory bodies to implement and strictly enforce safety and performance standards specific to EVs to ensure greater consumer trust and road safety. Sharing a similar perspective, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Engineering Faculty Road Safety Research Centre head Law Teik Hua said the pace of the country's rollout had clearly exceeded its overall preparedness to fully support the new technology. While the growth of public charging stations and infrastructure in urban and semi-urban areas is moving at an encouraging rate, he stated that crucial backend systems such as maintenance, regulatory enforcement and consumer protection are still struggling to keep up. 'Recent waves of complaints about EVs stopping suddenly during drives, poor customer service and slow technical responses point to fundamental structural flaws. 'The push for adoption through tax incentives, rebates and heavy promotion has surpassed the development of a robust support system needed to sustain it. "This gap forces early adopters to take unnecessary risks and, in turn, weakens public confidence in EVs," he said. Law said that the issue does not lie with EV technology itself, but with how manufacturers, importers and local dealers handle testing, after-sales support and customer service within Malaysia's specific environment. He observed a clear lack of accountability and quality assurance after purchase and called for agencies like the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) to implement stricter safety and performance standards before these vehicles reach consumers. 'Furthermore, EV retailers must establish formal consumer complaint resolution processes similar to those in industries like aviation or insurance. "Regular audits of dealerships and service centres are essential to ensure consistent after-sales care. 'Ultimately, brand reputation cannot replace real consumer protection, and regulations must evolve alongside advancements in EV technology," he added. Meanwhile, Managing Editor Keshvinder Singh Dhillon said that although EVs, like traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, can experience breakdowns, they tend to draw more attention. This is primarily because EVs are still relatively new and people are eager to see how they perform in real-world conditions. Contrary to common belief, he said there has been no significant increase in EV breakdowns in Malaysia. 'Much of the reported breakdowns come from countries like the United Kingdom (UK), Canada and the United States (US), where EV adoption is significantly higher. "Naturally, the more EVs on the road, the more likely issues will be reported. 'As Malaysia prepares to welcome more EVs, especially with Proton and Perodua set to release affordable models in the coming months, the urgency to accelerate the rollout of a comprehensive charging infrastructure cannot be overstated," he said. He also believes that quality control is gradually advancing, though the EV industry remains in a developmental phase, much like the early stages of ICE vehicles. He drew a parallel to the early years of conventional cars, when safety features such as seat belts, ABS brakes and airbags were only introduced after years of refinement and user feedback. 'However, with today's advancements in technology and regulatory systems, governments now have better tools to monitor the EV sector closely and learn from international incidents. 'For instance, placing EV chargers underground in shopping malls could pose a fire safety risk due to limited access for firefighters. "At the same time, chargers should also be installed in convenient locations where users are not exposed to weather hazards. These matters require clear regulations and continuous oversight," he said. While the growth of public charging stations and infrastructure in urban and semi-urban areas is moving at an encouraging rate, crucial backend systems such as maintenance, regulatory enforcement and consumer protection; are still struggling to keep up. - Photo edited via Canva Real-life safety concerns In early May, two Malaysian EV owners came forward with troubling experiences that triggered debate over EV safety standards in the country. On May 1, Facebook user Nur Afifah Abdul Rahim shared an alarming incident involving her husband's BYD Atto 3. While on the Cheras-Kajang highway, the vehicle suddenly halted and displayed a 'Power System Failure' warning. All four tyres locked without any prior alert, posing a serious danger to surrounding traffic. The couple faced poor service and delayed replies from the dealer, who told them the cause was a faulty 12V battery not covered under warranty due to the vehicle's mileage, despite it being only 10 months old. On May 6, Facebook user HL Tan, owner of an Audi e-tron GT imported from Japan, revealed his car had broken down three times in just over 13,000 km. The most recent incident occurred on April 25, when the car shut down mid-drive on the North-South Expressway with his wife and two young children onboard. While he praised Audi Malaysia's after-sales team, he said that Audi AG must intervene, as the car's repeated failures posed a serious safety risk. Both owners said they shared their experiences to warn the public and urge EV manufacturers to take these issues seriously, as the promise of clean mobility must not come at the cost of consumer safety.
