As one of Malaysia’s major port operators, Northport (Malaysia) Bhd (“Northport”) plays an important role in facilitating the movement of goods, including electric vehicles (EVs) and their batteries. With the rapid rise in EV adoption, ports have become the first point of contact for these sensitive and high-value products, making their role critical in ensuring safe, secure and sustainable handling practices.
Recognising this responsibility, in February 2024, Northport made a proposal to the Government and was instructed to lead the development of the Electric Vehicle and Battery Management (EVBM) Guidelines, an industry self-regulation initiative endorsed by the National EV Steering Committee and chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister. This initiative was developed through a collaborative effort involving key Government ministries and agencies and shaped by extensive engagement with industry stakeholders and regulators.
Launched on 11th October 2024 at the IGEM 2024 conference by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the EVBM Guidelines provide a comprehensive framework covering the entire EV and battery lifecycle from manufacturing, transportation and storage, to maintenance, customer education, and responsible end-of-life disposal.
The Guidelines aim to strengthen safety protocols, enhance operational excellence, and foster environmental stewardship, laying the foundation for a resilient, future-ready EV ecosystem in Malaysia. Developed through an agile policy-making process which involved both public and private sector stakeholders, they reflect best practices in EV management and will undergo biannual reviews to stay aligned with technological and regulatory developments.
Northport’s exceptional leadership in spearheading this initiative was recognised with the “Excellence in Automotive Sustainability Management Best Practices” Award at the 20th Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) Awards 2024.
By spearheading this initiative, Northport has demonstrated visionary leadership that goes beyond traditional port operations, positioning ports not only as gateways for trade, but also as critical enablers of a safer, greener, and smarter future.