Proton Opens Malaysia’s First EV Assembly Plant at Tanjung Malim

Highlights

• Proton launches Malaysia’s first EV assembly plant at Tanjung Malim within the Automotive High Tech Valley.
• Proton e.MAS 7 and e.MAS 5 to be first models produced, alongside premium EVs from Geely’s Zeekr brand.
• Plant built with an RM82 million investment, capable of producing up to 45,000 EVs annually and creating 200 new jobs.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has launched Malaysia’s first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant at Proton Tanjung Malim.

The facility is part of the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV), which has been identified by the government as a high-impact project under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

The plant began full-scale production just seven months after its groundbreaking in February this year, which shows Malaysia’s ambition to propel in the EV sector.

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The factory’s first model is the Proton e.MAS 7, which was introduced in December 2023 and has quickly become a favourite among local buyers. This will soon be followed by the Proton e.MAS 5, subsequently expanding Proton’s EV portfolio.

Through its collaboration with Geely, Proton will also assemble other premium EVs, such as models from Zeekr, to make the country a regional hub for EV production.

The new assembly line, which cost RM82 million, covers 5.57 acres and has an initial capacity of 20,000 units per year. Production can be scaled up to 45,000 units annually when demand grows.

The facility combines advanced machinery with trained workers, including specialised equipment such as the chassis line, rear assembly units, glass glazing systems, and an EV electrical testing system. To prepare for operations, Proton has already added 30 trained employees, and eventually, the factory will provide over 200 new jobs in EV-related roles.

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Alongside the factory, attention is being placed on logistics and connectivity. AHTV Alliance Sdn Bhd signed agreements with Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) to study the feasibility of creating a railway cargo link and logistics hub.

This project aims to reduce reliance on road transport by using trains for container movement, making the supply chain more efficient and environmentally friendly. The government hopes that this programme will expand AHTV's role in attracting foreign investment and establishing Malaysia as a regional hub for new energy vehicles.

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Source: Proton