• First specialised EV plant in Malaysia with a 45,000 maximum volume capacity

• AHTV Alliance signs MoU with KTM and RAC for feasibility study on new railway logistics hub

Tanjong Malim, 4 Sept 2025 – Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim today launched the first assembly plant exclusive for electric vehicle (EV) production in Malaysia at Proton Tanjung Malim. Located within the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, the plant begins full-scale assembly activities this month, just seven months after its groundbreaking ceremony on 7 February this year.

Notably, the Proton e.MAS 7, the first Malaysian EV which was launched in December last year and has since become Malaysia’s favourite EV, will be the first completely knocked down (CKD) model to roll off the line at this new plant. This will be closely followed by the Proton e.MAS 5, PROTON’s second EV model. Apart from that, PROTON's partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely) would also see other premium brands, such as Zeekr, being locally assembled within AHTV .

Also present during the launch were YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad, Menteri Besar of Perak, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry YB Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Transport Minister YB Loke Siew Fook, and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation YB Chang Lih Kang. They were joined by Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM and Chairman of PROTON, Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely Holding Group and PROTON Chief Executive Officer, Dr Li Chunrong.

RM47 million investment for first phase

Located on a 5.57-acre site, PROTON’s new assembly line is being built at a cost of RM82 million. The RM47 million first phase of the plant, which was launched today, has a capacity of 20,000 units per year. Built with scalability in mind, production can be ramped up to a maximum of 45,000 units per annum.

Designed and built in close cooperation with technical partners from Geely, PROTON’s and Malaysia’s first purpose-built EV assembly facility incorporates a mix of automated and highly trained production operators. There are several key production lines and specialized equipment, including the tyre manipulator chassis line, rear sub assembly line, rear spring compress machine, and pallet sub assembly line. The final stages of production are handled by the final line conveyor, which works with the chassis line.

Other crucial equipment includes the fluid filling machine final line, glass glazing machine trim line, and the chassis number engraving machine. Quality control is maintained with a tool controller and an EV electrical device checking system, while a sunroof manipulator and a dedicated part preparation area streamline component handling.

To support the ramp-up before the launch, 30 employees were added for critical operational and technical roles and have been fully trained to cater for full-scale production. Eventually, the plant will see a creation of over 200 new jobs, specialising in EV industrialisation and technical services, for the local community.

“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.

New railway connectivity for AHTV to enhance logistics efficiency

During the launch event today, AHTV Alliance Sdn Bhd (AASB) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) to conduct a feasibility study on establishing railway cargo connectivity for AHTV including a railway logistic hub location.

The proposed logistic hub will support the development of AHTV by enhancing logistics efficiency through the utilisation of rail transport for the movement of containers to and from the area. AHTV has been identified as a project of importance by the government under the 13th Malaysia Plan, earmarking it as a high-impact project that will boost the economy by being developed into a hub for new energy vehicles and next generation vehicles with large-scale foreign investments.

The proposed logistics hub will leverage existing infrastructure to support the development of the national economy. The railway logistics hub also emphasises AHTV’s strong focus on sustainability with the development of a more environmentally friendly logistics network. This also follows the Ministry of Transport’s push to reduce the transportation of containers by road by shifting to rail transport.

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