Tesla Inc. has pumped the brakes on its plans to build factories in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, deciding to shift gears and focus on setting up charging stations instead. According to the Thai news portal The Nation, the EV giant is pulling back its investments across Asia, including Thailand, where it recently disbanded its executive team.
Now, Tesla is putting the pedal to the metal in bigger EV markets like China, the U.S., and Germany. However, a source from Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) has thrown a wrench in the works, saying there’s been no official word from Tesla. So, don’t take those reports as gospel just yet.
This twist comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim rolled out the red carpet for Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk last year in July, scoring a major deal that let Tesla sell cars in Malaysia without import tariffs as well as investing in one of Elon Musk’s other hi-tech ventures, SpaceX, in the country. According to FMT, the investment would also give more high-value job opportunities including skipping the usual 30% Bumiputera equity rule.
Despite these sweet deals, news of Tesla’s U-turn has revved up some serious online backlash. As expected, many felt like our Prime Minister went the extra mile for the billionaire, only to be left in the dust. Here are some of netizens’ reactions to the news:
While some Malaysians feel that Tesla bailed because Malaysia’s EV market is too small, others are saying, good riddance, and think it’s time to invite more Chinese EV makers to the party. Whether Tesla’s decision will shift Malaysia’s EV market into high gear or leave it stalled out remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure, it’s got everyone talking.
Sources: Twitter (1),(2),(3),(4) TheNation, FMT
Jade Mary contributed to this article.
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