A document snapshot has been shared on LinkedIn, purportedly from Malaysia’s investment, trade and industry ministry (MITI), that appears to reveal that from January 1, 2026, all new fully-imported (CBU) EVs from new brands yet to enter the Malaysian market must be priced RM250k and up, and their motor(s) power must be at least 200 kW (272 PS).
Before you get your sarongs in a twist, this does not affect brands and CBU EV models that are already in Malaysia – the RM100k floor still applies for these. And of course, any CBU EV that enters Malaysia on or after December 28 will not be exempt from import and excise duties.
BYD, Malaysia’s top EV brand, is planning a plant in KLK TechPark, Tanjong Malim, but it’s only expected to be ready by the second half of 2026. CBU EV stock that enters Malaysia on or after December 28 could be subjected to price hikes – although by how much would depend on how much the new duty rates are, which are not publicly known yet. Brands that want to stay competitive will have to assemble their EVs in the country.
Carmakers already producing EVs in Malaysia include Proton, Perodua, Volvo, Chery, Mercedes-Benz and TQ Wuling. Besides BYD, Zeekr could do it at DRB-Hicom’s Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (also in Tanjong Malim), Leapmotor is expected to use Stellantis’ Gurun plant, EPMB will do it for Xpeng and MG, and Volkswagen has EV plans for DRB-Hicom’s Pekan plant.
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I appreciate the details in the last paragraph. Perhaps next post should collate the indicative RRP of the EVs model under those brands, that are CKDs, CBUs, once the tax matters finalised.
Where is Tesla?
aiyoo…ICE…used imported also must 250K above and 1800 cc above…nayaaa
but there are some Honda N-Box running around in Malaysia, how?
read that carefully…
this is intended for CBU importers of BRAND NEW vehicles
This memo does not concern CBU importers of USED vehicles (import terpakai)
So parallel AP holders cannot import BRAND NEW N-Box, but can import USED N-Box no issues.
what is the difference between a used and brand new car? if a car has 50km on the odometer does it mean its used already ?
some wants only brand new while some others like you will not care about the difference, like your wife is virgin or not also makes no difference. it is a personal choice.
I really don’t get this policy. How is it that the MG5, a CBU import from Thailand with a 1.5l engine, is sold here at RM94k? Seems to be a violation of the stated policy.
If not mistaken, MG5 in Msia is with 1.5 NA engine, so not under the above CBU EV guidelines … maybe you hv misread ya
but mg5 isn’t EV so isn’t affected by this policy? i don’t get your concern
The para above the boxed para clearly states the same policy applies for ICE cars – min 1.8L engine and OTR above RM250k. In fact this policy for ICE cars has been in existence before it was updated in Dec 2025 to include EVs.
Yet MITI was inconsistent with policy back then – MG5 was allowed, as well as Toyota Corolla (1.5L, RM140k otr price, CBU from Thailand). Who knows how they will act now.
With 1.5l engine its not a EV. The minimum price only affect EV’s.
At this date and age, the government still want to protect local automative industries. Forget about global market, a government stuck with protectionist mindset can’t even compete with Thailand and Indonesia for SEA market,
Local automotive industries create jobs & ecosystem. It’s not just for local brands but all CKDs
ASEAN members will knock the door later….knock knock…ekekekeke
Kinda disappointed with MITI for this bollocks policy. How to encourage innovation like this?
…Then u complain about Trump Tariff when basically you are doing the same. Complain when trump tariff hit Msia but you yourself impose all this tariff. Same as US, they want to protect their domestic industry too!! idiots!
malaysian protectionism was already implemented by TunM during 1980s to protect proton. so i guess even usa must have learn how to tariff learn from malaysia.
The crutches of protectionism not only deter competition and innovation but deprive Malaysians of being able to afford better cars.
Hoi, make the price affordable, allow freedom of import, dont create problem and issue for the rakyat.
We looking for cheaper car, cheaper option.
But this doesn’t apply to cars from the US? Rmbr the trade deal signed AI w Trump?
our tesla is made in china not usa so it will also be hit by this tariff
this is small-mindedness and madness … well, you cant cure stupid if this info is proven true …
Tongkat to cronies again
What is the purpose of setting the min price for CBU EVs to such a high level? Is the government trying to push up the price of all EVs eventually to protect Proton and Perodua? Are they trying to recreate the same situation with EVs as with ICE cars in the 1990s when the middle class could only afford Proton and Perodua?
mistake to stop EV incentives. allowing substandard Chinese EVs to come in set up SKD to sell their cars easier while good brands are hard to get. cant reach EV population fast like this. its a step backward by MITI.
gomen will again force people to buy these local trash. The way is as usual, impose high tariff on non-national brands. Gee, thanks Proton.
Org biasa baca ni macam rasa bodoh sgt kekecohan semua EV. Set floor price tu the difference goes to govt or importers? Absurd astrocious
Wait until China hits back – will be hard hits to China EV brands. See how they hit back EU when they impose tariff. Govt need to learn how to do business and look at bigger pictures…
hahaaha….this really follow Trump’s tariff guide. so msia embracing trump by following his example to protect our domestic product just like trump!!!so msia need not complain with trump coz we are the same!!