THE Malaysian Automotive Institute (MAI) has launched a RM50 million National Emission Test Centre.
It is the first full-fledged vehicle emission testing facility in Malaysia, a testament of a technology transfer from Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd to Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd with MAI as the partner to operate the centre.
“The RM50 million investment are from Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd. Perodua Auto Corporation shareholders are Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd with 51 per cent shares and 49 per cent belongs to Perodua.
“It is a result of a discussion between Daihatsu, Perodua, the International Trade and Industry Ministry and MAI to have an emission test centre in Malaysia. It will be operated by MAI and is open for all the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in Malaysia and also for the OEMs from the neighbouring Asean countries,” said MAI chief executive officer Datuk Madani Sahari after the launching ceremony recently.
Madani said it would cost around RM30,000 to RM40,000 to send a vehicle for testing overseas, without including the logistic costs.
He said the cost for inspection at the Malaysian facility had yet to be finalised but assured that OEMs that send their vehicles for inspection at the centre would see the cost being reduced by a minimum of 40 per cent.
With the new facility, he also said it would take only three days to test a vehicle.
He added that there were plans for expansion of the centre.
“This is the phase 1 of the National Emission Test Centre, which is provides test for vehicles in the passenger cars segment. There will be the phase 2, where we expand the test centre to include commercial vehicles and motorcycles. We hope that phase 2 can be ready in two years,” he said.
The National Emission Test Centre can provide real-time measurement of exhaust emission gases for passenger cars in accordance with United Nations Regulation 83 and 101. The lab is equipped with emission chassis dynamometer, which is located within a climatic chamber. It also features a soak room (to cool the engine and calibration purposes), emission and equipment room, as well as a control room.
Emissions test are a requirement for vehicles to comply with Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) and EEV certification.
“As Malaysia moves to improve energy efficiency in terms of transportation, it is vital for the country to reduce its carbon emissions so that it could meet global standards. The establishment of National Emission Test Centre is timely and consistent with government’s intention as specified in the National Automotive Policy 2014. This is a stepping stone to make Malaysia a regional hub for energy-efficient vehicles in the near future,” said Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan.
In conjunction with the National Emission Test Centre launch, the launching of the Voluntary EEV Labelling Scheme also took place.
The Voluntary EEV Label is a label to be placed on certified EEVs, for consumers to collect details of the particular model with only a scan of a QR code. The scheme serves as an awareness platform for consumers about their vehicle’s fuel efficiency and also encourage the uptake of low-emission vehicles.
“The scheme is in-line with Malaysia’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030, as outlined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change under the Paris Agreement. The scheme is also aimed at increasing market competitiveness while conforming to environmental policies and regulation.”