TANJONG MALIM, Sept 4 — The launch of the first Proton electric vehicle (EV) factory in Malaysia today reflects the close cooperation between Malaysia and China through Proton and its strategic partner Geely, driving the country's automotive industry to a higher level.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the results of the collaboration not only involved investment but also evidence of commitment to technology transfer and opportunities to train local engineers towards mastering future automotive technology.
"I want to thank the government of China because, in several of our meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, their willingness to cooperate has been proven.
"This is proven because not only do they benefit from the collaboration in this field and industry, but their willingness to transfer technology and provide space for locals (to be involved in the industry),” he said at the factory's launch today.
Also present were Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Transport Minister Anthony Loke; Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Anwar added that the Proton EV factory's development aligns with Malaysia's key policies, including the energy transition, industrial master plan and national automotive policy, all of which emphasise mastering high technology.
"The launch of this EV factory fulfils several policies. Firstly, our climate policy, namely the energy transition. Secondly, it also fulfils what we call our industrial roadmap and master plan… and, of course, the national automotive policy,” he said.
The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation to the Proton workers for their high commitment to making the historic project a success.
"Thank you to all the workers who have shown their determination, talent and discipline to ensure its success, not only to uphold the good name of the company but also that of our beloved country,” he said.
Anwar also hopes that the Proton EV cars could be rolled out from the new plant in Tanjung Malim before the 47th Asean Summit next month, to be showcased to more than 20 heads of state attending the summit.
The plant was developed on a 2.2-hectare site, with construction costs estimated at RM82 million.
In the first phase, the factory will produce the Proton EV e.MAS 7 model, followed by the second model — the e.MAS 6 — in the second phase, with the date yet to be specified.
For the first phase, the plant has the capacity to produce about 20,000 EV units annually, and once fully completed, the production capacity is expected to rise to 45,000 units per year.
The factory is equipped with advanced digital systems, dedicated EV areas, including battery assembly, high-voltage safety, electrical testing, and EV underbody integration.
