KUALA LUMPUR: Only one person in the country is presently certified to install and maintain electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, said Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar.
This scarcity of certified professionals, he said, is also the primary cause of the ministry intensifying the EV related certification courses.
The sole certified individual obtained his accreditation under the National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS), which delineates and specifies the competencies required for a skilled worker allowed to carry out such EV related works.
The Skills Development Department, falling under the jurisdiction of the Human Resources Ministry has so far introduced the NOSS standards for EV charging station maintenance and repair programmes in May, hoping to fill the demand of the growing EV industry.
Sivakumar said following the introduction of such courses by the ministry, it anticipates an increase in the number of skilled graduates in this field in time to come.
"The ministry hopes the number of skilled graduates in this field will increase in the future through the initiatives we are carrying out, including promotional activities," he said in a written reply yesterday (Wednesday).
In replying to a question posted by Manndzri Nasib of BN-Tenggara, Sivakumar also said that at present, there are 1,246 charging stations, eight certified individuals who are licensed to service Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), and 82 individuals possess qualifications to service hybrid vehicles in the country.
He said Malaysia also aspires to have at least 10,000 EV charging stations by 2025 and is actively working towards establishing itself as an EV hub.
Sivakumar also revealed that his ministry is collaborating with the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry (MITI) to ensure an adequate workforce to support the growth of the EV sector in Malaysia.
Last week, MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz had said that Malaysia's robust electronics industry provided a solid foundation for the country to be globally recognised as a pioneer in EV expertise.
