Automaker Proton has opened Malaysia’s first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant at its Tanjung Malim facility in the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV), with Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiating the launch. The facility goes into full-scale operations this month, just seven months after its groundbreaking.
The plant will initially assemble the Proton e.MAS 7, the country’s first national EV launched in December 2023, followed by the Proton e.MAS 5. Through Proton’s partnership with China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, premium EV brands such as Zeekr will also be locally assembled at AHTV.
Built at a cost of RM82 million ($17.4 million), the assembly line spans 5.57 acres. RM47 million ($10m) first phase has an annual capacity of 20,000 units, scalable to 45,000 units. The facility integrates advanced automation and technical expertise, with more than 200 new jobs expected to be created as operations expand.
In tandem, AHTV Alliance Sdn Bhd (AASB) signed MoUs with Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) to study the development of a dedicated railway logistics hub to enhance cargo connectivity for AHTV. The move aligns with Malaysia’s sustainability drive under the 13th Malaysia Plan, which designates AHTV as a high-impact project to attract foreign investment in EVs and next-generation vehicles.
Read more – IG Group appoints Gavin Chia as CEO for Singapore and Emerging Markets
