Lyna Mohamad
The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Brunei Climate Change Secretariat (BCCS) officially launched the Electric Vehicle (EV) Pilot Project yesterday at Bridex Hall 2, Jerudong.
Themed ‘Driving Towards a Greener Nation’, the project will run for two years and aimed at achieving the objectives of ‘Strategy 3: Electric Vehicle’ under the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP).
The project will provide exposure to the use of EV, its advantages and charging stations.
It also serves to study and identify the public’s perception and response towards EV as a shift towards vehicles powered by alternative energy assess the marketability and the preparedness of potential users in the country.
It also aims to evaluate the needs and infrastructure related to EVs and other alternatives to be implemented by 2035.
Co-chairpersons of Brunei Darussalam National Council on Climate Change (BNCCC) Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar and Minister of Energy Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein officiated the launch with members of BNCCC Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof and Deputy Minister of Energy Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw.
Legislative Council members, Deputy Minister of Development Ar Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin, permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries as well as members of the diplomatic Corps from ASEAN, China, Korea and Japan were also present.
An exhibition of EVs is currently being held until March 28.
It is open to the public today from 9.30-11.30am and 2.30-9pm as well as 10am-9pm this weekend.
The exhibition also features a showcase of EVs and alternative-energy vehicles by car dealers in the country, exhibition by the oil and gas industry, technology companies and finance firms.
A line up of programmes include a mini symposium involving government agencies from within and outside the country as well as the Brunei Automobile Traders Association (BATA). It will discuss initiatives and plans for EVs as well as best practices from abroad.
Visitors can participate in test drives of EVs, virtual reality (VR) activities, quizzes and games to win the grand prize of an electric scooter.
The exhibition is supported by non-governmental agencies and associations such as Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd (BSM), BATA and Brunei Insurance and Takaful Association (BITA).
For more information, follow the event’s social media account or visit the website www.bruneiev.gov.bn.