Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has officiated Proton’s dedicated electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant, located within the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim. The new Proton EV plant begins full-scale operations this month, just seven months after its groundbreaking in February 2025.
The new Proton EV plant will also CKD Zeekr models
The first model to roll off the line will be the 2025 Proton e.MAS 7, launched in December 2024 and currently Malaysia’s best-selling EV. It will be joined by the upcoming Proton e.MAS 5. But said plant won’t just assemble Proton-badged models, as other brands under the larger Geely umbrella, like Zeekr, will be assembled at this plant.
Watch: Proton e.MAS 5 FIRST LOOK in Malaysia
Built at a cost of RM 82 million, Proton’s new assembly facility sits on 5.57 acres of land. The first phase, launched last week, carries a capacity of 20,000 units annually, with scalability up to 45,000 units per year.
The first phase alone represents a RM 47 million investment, with Proton expecting to create more than 200 new jobs in EV industrialisation and technical services once operations scale up.
Developed with technical support from Geely, the facility combines automation with highly trained operators. Key assembly areas include:
- Tyre manipulator chassis line
- Rear sub-assembly and rear spring compress lines
- Pallet sub-assembly line
- Final line conveyor for finishing processes
Specialised equipment such as fluid filling systems, glass glazing machines, chassis engraving, and EV electrical device testing ensure strict quality control.
To support its launch, Proton has already recruited 30 technical staff, all of whom have undergone training to support full-scale operations.
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“The launch of this state-of-the-art EV plant marks a historic milestone for PROTON and Malaysia’s automotive industry. This facility, built with advanced technology and a focus on scalability, will be the backbone of our commitment to producing world-class electric vehicles. The Proton e.MAS 7, which has already been embraced by Malaysian consumers, is just the beginning of our journey towards a sustainable future,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton.
To complement the development of AHTV, AHTV Alliance Sdn Bhd (AASB) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) to study the feasibility of a railway logistics hub.
The proposed hub will improve container transport efficiency by shifting cargo from road to rail, in line with the Ministry of Transport’s sustainability goals. It is expected to strengthen AHTV’s role as a national hub for new energy and next-generation vehicles, a project recognised under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
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