Senator Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan was seeking an update on BYD’s proposed plant as an EV maker that has met the localisation requirements to qualify for preferential tax treatment under the completely-knocked-down (CKD) scheme. “Any decision to proceed with, defer or revise its investment plans is a commercial decision for the company,” Johari replied, adding that the government is already encouraging the local assembly of EVs by offering import duty, excise duty and sales tax exemptions until December 31, 2027. He said, however, that eligibility for these incentives remain subject to compliance with the Customs Regulations 1988 and other government-imposed conditions. Hardly a week later, BYD VP and GM of the carmaker’s Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division Liu Xueliang visited Sime Motors’ Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, triggering speculation that BYD could instead partner up with its Malaysian distributor for contract assembly. Is Tanjong Malim off the table for BYD?