KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- NMB is proud to reaffirm its role as the initiator and catalyst in driving the development of the ICE to EV Conversion White Paper, in close collaboration with Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) and other key stakeholders. Endorsed under the National Electric Vehicle Task Force (NEVTF), this effort served as baseline and has directly led to the drafting and formalisation of Malaysia’s EV conversion guidelines recently published by JPJ. NMB regards this achievement as an important national milestone and a clear policy success, reflecting a significant step forward in establishing an accessible, safe, transparent and localised technological pathway for EV conversion in Malaysia.
 
As the nation’s lead agency for nanotechnology commercialisation, EV and hydrogen technology industrial development under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), NMB collaborated with JPJ to formalise standards that ensure converted EVs meet stringent performance and battery safety criteria. The issuance of these guidelines also marks a significant milestone for NMB, which has been actively contributing to the development of national EV-conversion standards. Working alongside relevant ministries, regulators, and industry stakeholders, NMB has submitted technical white papers, presented safety frameworks, and tested conversion technologies to help localise global best practices for Malaysia’s unique conditions.
 
The guidelines stipulate that any ICE-to-EV conversion must undergo structural, electrical, braking, and safety validation before the vehicle can be re-registered as an EV. Only JPJ-certified workshops with qualified technicians are permitted to perform conversions. This transition from a regulatory grey area to a legally recognised and transparent process reinforces national efforts to promote sustainable mobility and strengthen local technological capability.
 
NMB’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad, said: “JPJ’s new guidelines are a breakthrough moment for Malaysia. They offer a transparent, safe and regulated route for retrofitting ICE vehicles, making EV adoption more accessible and affordable for Malaysians. NMB has been the leading advocacy for this approach, and we are ready to contribute through technology development, training, and industry collaboration to ensure conversions meet global safety and performance standards.  
 
“Unlike many countries that rely heavily on imported components, Malaysia has a competitive edge. We have developed Malaysian EV technologies namely batteries, energy management system, and cooling systems. This not only strengthens local technological capability but also opens the door to exporting our conversion kits to other ASEAN countries and potentially beyond. This is a timely opportunity to position Malaysia as a regional hub for EV retrofit innovation.”
 
NMB has consistently championed EV conversion as a practical and cost-effective strategy to accelerate Malaysia’s transition to electric mobility. Through its REVIVE programme, NMB has piloted EV conversion technologies, including diesel bus conversions under the Enabling Mobility Electrification for Green Economy (EMERGE) initiative under MOSTI, and continues to collaborate with authorities to meet roadworthiness certification requirements. These initiatives showcase the potential to extend vehicle lifespan, reduce carbon emissions, localise EV technology development, and create high-skilled technical jobs.
 
The newly issued guidelines outline requirements covering structural and electrical safety validation, battery system certification, inverter and motor installation standards, and post-conversion inspections by PUSPAKOM or authorised technical bodies. NMB fully supports these criteria and emphasises the importance of internationally aligned standards for battery safety, thermal management, and system integrity—areas in which NMB specialises through its nanotechnology-enhanced energy solutions.
 
With the implementation of the guidelines, Malaysia is poised to unlock new opportunities across the EV conversion and manufacturing ecosystem, including certified workshops, component suppliers, battery system developers, and skilled EV technicians. These developments align with NMB’s ongoing programmes in graphene-enhanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), solid-state hydrogen technologies, and nanomaterial-enabled electrification systems.
 
NMB calls on ministries, regulatory bodies, industry players, and workshop operators to collaborate closely in implementing the guidelines effectively. Through coordinated action, Malaysia can build a robust, locally driven EV conversion industry that supports national climate goals and strengthens green technology sovereignty.
 
SOURCE: NMB (NanoMalaysia Berhad) 

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--BERNAMA