Malaysia has on Friday officially launched the Electric Vehicle and Battery Management (EVBM) Guidelines.

The government agency Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC ) said in a statement that the guidelines provide a framework for industry self-regulation, by ensuring the safe and sustainable management of EVs and EV batteries.

According to the statement, the EVBM Guidelines are expected to become a foundational tool for businesses within the electric vehicle sector, enabling them to meet safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

By adopting these guidelines, the industry will enhance productivity and competitiveness while maintaining high standards of compliance.

In support of the guidelines, Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), said the launch marks a significant step in Malaysia’s push toward sustainability and productivity in the growing EV sector.

He said MITI fully supports the EVBM Guidelines as they offer businesses a clear framework to manage EVs and their batteries safely and sustainably.

“Premised on the principles of life-cycle management, the guidelines cover handling, transportation, disposal, and recycling of EVs and EV batteries,

“As such, this launch is a key step towards strengthening Malaysia’s positioning as a regional manufacturing hub for electric mobility and attracting future green technology investments,” he added.

He also said the EVBM Guideline is a reflection of Malaysia’s commitment to advancing green technology and sustainable practices.

With contributions from industry representatives, regulatory bodies and government agencies, he opined that this comprehensive framework covers the entire lifecycle of EV batteries – from acquisition, usage, maintenance, to final disposal and recycling.

He also noted the guideline aims to ensure public safety, environmental protection and the sustainability of Malaysia’s EV ecosystem.

“By prioritizing safe handling, transportation and disposal of EV batteries, we are not only protecting the environment but also boosting productivity by creating a more efficient and sustainable framework for all stakeholders,” he said.

He also said the guideline present clear benefits for the industry and the country.

“Most importantly, our industry-developed guidelines prioritize safety and environmental responsibility,

“By outlining best practices for the handling and transportation of EV-lithium batteries, we ensure the prevention of fire and explosion hazards,” he said.

He noted this approach also minimizes environmental impact, helping them align with global standards in sustainability while protecting both their communities and the environment.

Zahid Ismail, Director General of MPC, said these guidelines empower the industry to self-regulate, making compliance more straightforward and giving businesses the freedom to focus on boosting productivity and enhancing competitiveness.

“By taking control of their regulatory practices, companies can maintain high safety and environmental standards while driving innovation and growth,” he added.

The development of these guidelines, led by Northport (Malaysia) Bhd in collaboration with businesses and regulators across the EV ecosystem, was facilitated by MPC with support from the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii).

Azman Shah Mohd Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of Northport, highlighted the importance of these guidelines in managing the rise in EV adoption.

“These guidelines ensure the EV supply chain operates safely and efficiently as adoption accelerates,” he added.

Malaysia launches aviation decarbonization blueprint to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050