SEPANG (Oct 28): Malaysia continues to serve as a logistics hub for solar panels, amid the US tariff hike for solar equipment from Southeast Asia, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

He assured that several major US companies based in Malaysia are re-exporting solar panel equipment, including microchips, semiconductors and electronics, among other products, back to the US.

“I am not that pessimistic when it comes to this. As far as our policy is concerned, we want to continue improving and encouraging trade within Asean… inter-Asean trade is important. That's why I believe the logistics hub is essential for Malaysia,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the new DHL Express Kuala Lumpur Gateway on Monday.

Loke emphasised that Malaysia should not rely solely on a single market, and should continuously seek new opportunities.

Commenting on Malaysia’s recent inclusion as a BRICS partner country, Loke said this development opens up new market opportunities.

“I also believe that all relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, are taking the necessary steps to ensure that Malaysia’s exports and businesses are not affected,” he added.

He emphasised that besides solar panel exports, Malaysia is also strong in the electrical and electronics sector, and should consider expanding into other consumer products.

Previously, the US announced a tariff hike for solar equipment from Southeast Asia to protect its domestic industry. The US Commerce Department announced increased duties on solar equipment exported by Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, following its initial findings of "unfair government subsidies used to produce solar equipment sold by companies" in the four countries.

Uploaded by Tham Yek Lee