By Zaki Salleh
TANJONG MALIM: Proton’s first electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant, located within the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, has been officially launched.
This marks the beginning of a new era for Malaysia’s automotive industry through the strategic Malaysia–China collaboration.
The launch of the new facility stands as clear evidence of successful technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and growing foreign investor confidence in Proton’s potential to compete in the global EV market.
The exclusive Proton assembly plant was completed in just seven months, built at a total cost of RM82 million on a 5.57-acre site.
The first phase, worth RM47 million, has an annual production capacity of 20,000 units, with the flexibility to scale up to 45,000 units per year.
Malaysia’s first EV model, the Proton e.MAS 7, launched in December last year, is the first locally assembled (CKD) model produced at the facility. It will be followed by the Proton e.MAS 5 as the second model.
The partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely) also paves the way for the assembly of other premium brands, such as Zeekr, at AHTV.
Earlier, the plant was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In his speech, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation to the Perak state government for its close cooperation and swift approvals, which enabled this strategic project to be realised in a short time.
He further emphasized that the Proton-Geely investment not only increases production capacity but also strengthens technology transfer, supports the development of centres of excellence, and opens up more job opportunities for the local workforce.
