Around 2,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) have been registered with the Land Transport Department as of January 2026. In this regard, PHEVs are the most popular, as they offer the best option for drivers transitioning from traditional petrol cars to fully electric vehicles, said Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha.

He said this during the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) in response to questions raised by LegCo members Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir and Yang Berhormat Haji Mohd Salleh bin Haji Othman.

PHEVs, he added, bridge the gap between internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and fully battery electric vehicles by providing electric efficiency for daily use without the limitations of a fully EV.

At the same time, the range of available models and the competitive pricing of both PHEVs and EVS have been increasing.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary said, “The implementation of the EV pilot project, launched on March 18, 2021 for a period of two years, concluded in March 2023.

“This project has provided valuable insights into the use of electric vehicles, their advantages, and the charging equipment required, as well as evaluating the feasibility and public acceptance of EVs in the domestic market.”

Referring to the technology adoption curve, which has five phases, he added, “The acceptance of EVs in the country has transitioned from the pilot stage to the early majority adopters’ phase. This phase represents pragmatic users who have switched to EVs after seeing tangible evidence of battery durability and maintenance cost savings.”

At this stage, he explained, “EVs are no longer just for technology enthusiasts but have begun to be accepted as a mainstream transportation option by the general public. This is due to testimonials and proof that the technology works and is worthwhile. This shift has also been facilitated by the introduction of lower vehicle licensing rates compared to conventional engine vehicles.”

He added, “Concerns regarding the insufficient number of public charging stations have not been a significant barrier, as home charging is the primary method. The support from charging stations provided by vehicle distributors and commercial building owners at selected locations has also con-tributed to this acceptance.”

So far, he revealed, “Currently, 40 EV charging stations and 45 charging points have been in-stalled at identified locations, pro-viding various levels of facilities, including charging stations for specific brands, public use, and both options of free and paid charging.”

Specifically, for the Temburong District, as mentioned by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Sulaiman, he said, “There is currently only one charging station at The Abode Resort and Spa, and it is available only to owners of specific vehicle brands.”

With the increasing use of EVs and PHEVs in the Temburong District, he added, “It is hoped that charging facilities will expand accordingly in the future.”

(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)