THE government announced that electric vehicles (EVs) will be given a parking waiver.
However, netizens are unhappy as they feel that only the wealthy will benefit from it. This is in lieu of the fact that these electric vehicles are quite pricey compared to traditional petroleum cars.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming is considering waiving local council parking fees for EVs entering cities. The move aims to encourage EV adoption following the recent announcement of “green plates” for EVs. But netizens are not happy with this.
Nga highlighted London’s example, where non-EV cars face a congestion fee while EVs enjoy parking fee exemptions. Additionally, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook announced an 85% lower road tax for EVs, along with special plates for easy identification.
Netizens stated that Malaysia is now enriching the rich with such incentives, while the country is ripping the poor off.
Ingat kawan2.
Negara robbing hook. Kita kayakan yang kaya, kita tekan si miskin tapi yang miskin masih bodoh sebab kena kencing dengan gomen haprak
— hakikat (@Beberuruang) July 4, 2024
Others are saying EVs are expensive and should not be given such benefits. In reality, it may take years for Malaysians to be able to afford EVs.
Again, some X users feel the government should start working on improving public transport infrastructure, etc., before starting to talk about encouraging private car ownership (EV or whatever)?
Why don’t you start working on improving bus stop infrastructures etc before start talking abt encouraging private car ownership (EV or whatever)?
— Chan Hoi Cheong (@Hoi_Cheong_Chan) July 4, 2024
Some feel that the less fortunate in the country will have to end up paying for everything. Netizens feel that those who can afford an electric car will most definitely be able to afford their parking fees.
Konon alasan EV dari luar tak bulih harga bawah 100k sebab nak protect proton perodua. Sekali nanti proton keluar EV 98k. Punde dia baik tak payah
— Karim Good Guy (@karimbachik) July 5, 2024
Some appear to be okay with the initiative if there are electric vehicles that are priced below RM100,000.
Others claim that we will have to wait for our local manufacturers, like Proton or Perodua to offer these vehicles; only then will the benefits be used by a majority of people. – July 6, 2024
Main photo credit: Live Science
