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The allegation of a few parties that Import Permit Holders (AP) profit up to RM100,000 for every electric car (EV) especially Tesla is unfounded.

The Chairman of the PEKEMA Youth Council, Raja Petra Maruddin Raja Nordin said, it is not appropriate to take into account the price of buying EV cars in the home country including various factors such as transportation, warranty, and operating costs.

He said, the profit margin taken by the importer from the factory price when reselling the car is normal.

"However, it must be aware that AP holders have certain risks such as market, infrastructure cost and responsibility for providing guarantee and after-sales service (own initiative) which at that time most of the infrastructure was not yet available in Malaysia.

"All of these are factors that need to be taken into account in determining the real profit," he said.

He added, AP holders are not direct manufacturers like Tesla who can sell and determine the price of cars without going through a dealer or a third party.

"Tesla is the only manufacturer at this time that sells products directly to customers. All other brand car manufacturers use distributors although some manufacturers provide online configuration and financing," he explained.

Such factors contribute to additional costs that need to be borne to ensure that imported EVs are safe and comply with local standards.

"Actually, we (AP holders) are pioneers and pioneers of EV car sales in Malaysia because without our support, some EV brands may not enter the Malaysian market.

"Therefore, the accusation that we took great advantage without any data or references is unfair and an attempt to damage our reputation and role in this industry," he said.

King Petra stated that AP holders are always at risk during operation, especially when bringing in EV cars.

Several cressors, such as lack of chips and battery, also affect the price of an EV which cannot be avoided.

"It is hoped that the accusation can be viewed more rationally and not only focus on numbers.

"We play an important role in introducing EV to the people of Malaysia, and our efforts should be appreciated in advancing this industry," he said.