Anwar, Elon Musk discuss Starlink Satellite Service and Tesla headquarters in Malaysia

14 Jul 2023 01:33pm

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (on right screen) has announced that Tesla will be setting up its headquarters in Selangor, this year after a virtual meeting with company boss Elon Musk (on left screen, top right) today. – Anwar Ibrahim Facebook Pix

PUTRAJAYA - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk discussed the participation of SpaceX in the Starlink satellite service, which can contribute to faster and more widespread global internet access, especially in rural areas.

In a video conference on Friday, Anwar said that the initiative would enhance the capabilities and well-being of the people, particularly in terms of education, agricultural technology potential, and income generation.

He also said that Malaysia welcomes Musk's interest and investment decision in the country, and expressed the government's support for the opening of the headquarters, service center, and Tesla electric vehicle brand experience centre owned by Elon in Selangor this year.

"Malaysia will continue to strengthen its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050," he said in a statement.

Anwar stressed that Malaysia has comprehensive plans, an ecosystem, and competitive resources to support the clean energy industry, including electric mobility.

The video conference was also attended by the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, and the Minister of Communications and Digital, Fahmi Fadzil.

Earlier in March, Tesla announced its plans to establish a headquarters in Malaysia through its experience center and service center in the country.

This follows the approval by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) for Tesla's application to import Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) into the country.