Deputy minister says local industry must evolve beyond assembly and distribution to become developers of technology and services for the region.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s local automotive industry must continue moving up the value chain, not merely as assemblers or distributors, but as developers of technology, services and solutions for the regional market as the mobility landscape continues to evolve.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the Ministry of Transport’s (MOT) vision extends beyond vehicles, with a strong focus on developing a transportation system that is integrated, efficient, safe and environmentally sustainable.
“As we discuss the future of mobility, safety must remain at the centre of our agenda. New mobility must not only be cleaner and more connected; it must also help reduce crashes, protect vulnerable road users and encourage safer behaviour on our roads.
“Features such as advanced driver assistance systems, vehicle connectivity, data-driven enforcement and safer vehicle design must become part of the mainstream mobility discussion,” he said at the opening ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show 2026 (KLIMS 2026).
Hasbi said KLIMS 2026 has evolved beyond a conventional automotive exhibition into a platform that brings together key industry players, innovators, policymakers and consumers to showcase ideas that drive progress.
He added that the future of mobility cannot be achieved by any single sector alone and requires close collaboration among government agencies, industry players, technology providers, academia and consumers.
“This is why KLIMS is more than an exhibition. Together with industry players and stakeholders, we can champion bold investments, embrace new technologies and accelerate Malaysia’s transition towards cleaner, safer and smarter mobility solutions,” he said.
Hasbi also said MOT is working closely with industry players to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption through incentives, duty exemptions and the development of a nationwide charging infrastructure network.
“Our efforts also extend to the logistics sector, where greener fleets and smarter supply chains can help reduce emissions from freight transportation,” he noted.
He said Malaysia is well-positioned to become a regional hub for next-generation mobility, backed by a strong automotive ecosystem, a growing pool of skilled talent, strategic connectivity within ASEAN and a clear policy direction supporting sustainable, technology-driven and high-value mobility solutions.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain said the association remains committed to supporting the automotive industry and its members as the sector navigates technological changes and evolving policy developments.
“Our focus remains clear on strengthening industry readiness, encouraging innovation, deepening localisation efforts, developing local automotive capabilities, and enhancing the long-term competitiveness of Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem while contributing towards a sustainable and future-ready mobility landscape,” he said.
On KLIMS 2026, Mohd Shamsor said the event reflects the automotive industry’s transformation from traditional transportation into a broader ecosystem of intelligent mobility solutions.
“These shifts are precisely why a mobility show like KLIMS is more relevant than ever. KLIMS provides a platform where industry leaders, policymakers, innovators and consumers can come together to explore the technologies and ideas that will define the next generation of mobility,” he said.
Held from June 12 to 21, 2026, KLIMS 2026 is organised by the MAA, managed by Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and endorsed by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), with strategic support from the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
