Other things to focus on, Nga told after London EV tweet

Social media users today panned a tweet by Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming on emulating the provision of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the UK, urging him to concentrate on other, more pressing matters in Malaysia.

Nga, who is on a working visit to the UK, said he had woken at 6am and run 7.5km around the city of London.

"In line with the country's mission to install 10,000 EV charging stations by 2025, I find that the UK is a good model to emulate. A proposal will be submitted," he added, tagging his ministry's account on X.

User Guna complimented Nga on his run but suggested a "decent walkway for common people" instead.

"PMX is able to walk on a proper walkway in NY, and you can do your run in London.

"It will only be fair if common Malaysians who can't afford to go to NY or London have the same luxury," he said.

Dr Noraishah Mydin Abd Aziz, who was fielded by PKR for the Putrajaya seat at the last general election, said if Nga could go "as far as London to check out EV chargers", he should "do the honourable thing also and check the OKU parking at Malaysian hospitals".

"No need to pay for flight. Very cost-effective. But essential for Malaysians," she added.

User SM Lim echoed her remarks, urging Nga to "do what is necessary first in Malaysia". 

"To name a few... rubbish disposal, clogged drains, toilets, road conditions, public transport, parking, civil service, council management. Need to fix our economy due to corruption and strengthen the ringgit first."

"Can stop talking about EVs and focus on public transport first? Klang Valley bus system itself is still third-world. Don't be out of touch, YB," added user Aduan Rakyat.

User Sir Lock Cro, meanwhile, said that the government should focus on bringing down the tariff rates of Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB).

"Of all the other rates for utility bills, TNB's is the least reasonable," he said.

"But no one is brave enough to rebuke TNB; why?"

Other users questioned the focus on EVs, with Malik Mohamed asking how many Malaysians used such vehicles to begin with.

"Many others don't even have a home, YB. Please facilitate matters involving the people first."

Kevin, meanwhile, said that a Tesla supercharger was "probably the only scalable solution", while Shan said not many would be able to afford EVs.

User R questioned Nga's understanding of how the B40 or M40 lived, while Pee Jay suggested that the minister instruct the city council to monitor the cleanliness of the commercial centre in Taman Puncak Jalil.

"It's very dirty, with many old cars just lying around."

Dr Armada, meanwhile, accused Nga of "publicising himself too much". 

"This sort of cheap or rather expensive gimmick looks childish and attention-seeking."