By MFA Abdullah
THE global automotive narrative is dominated by electrification, yet for Malaysia, the story should be about evolution, not extinction.
While electric vehicles are heralded as the future, their success depends on more than shiny batteries and futuristic showrooms.
It requires renewable electricity, dense charging networks, and strong grids, things Malaysia and most of ASEAN are still building.
For now, abandoning the internal combustion engine (ICE) would be both premature and impractical.
Instead, Malaysia should treat ICE as a platform for innovation. Modern engines can be paired with electric systems, fuelled by palm-based biofuels, and re-engineered to run on hydrogen or synthetic fuels.
These advances can cut emissions dramatically while keeping vehicles affordable and accessible to rural communities.
Malaysia’s unique advantage lies in its palm oil industry. With the right research investment, palm-derived biodiesel or hydrotreated oil could become a sustainable, home-grown alternative to imported petrol.
Imagine a carbon-neutral engine running on a Malaysian-grown fuel, that’s innovation rooted in national strength.
The truth is, the path to zero carbon isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Japan understands this, which is why its automakers are refining ICE technology even as others rush headlong into EVs.
Malaysia should do the same: modernise, not discard.
The internal combustion engine still has a role, not as a polluter, but as a bridge to cleaner, inclusive mobility. It can be reinvented to serve Malaysia’s people, industries, and environment while the electric future gradually takes shape.
In short, the future of Malaysian mobility isn’t about choosing between engines or electricity. It’s about combining both, wisely.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
