Proton to produce 60,000 face shields in fight against COVID-19



As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage on, national carmaker Proton has stepped up again to do its part in supporting the medical front liners with the production of face shields. This follows the loan of 50 Proton X70 to the Ministry of Health to support its logistics network.

Production of the face shields is set to begin on the 13th of April at Proton’s headquarters in Shah Alam, with assembly undertaken by staff members who volunteered their services. Proton aims to produce 60,000 face shields in approximately 20 days, which translates to roughly 3,000 face shields per day.

Proton face shields demonstration

Face shields are an important part of a medical personnel’s Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to prevent the transmission of infectious materials. As these items are designed for single-use, the available reserve is starting to run low, prompting many parties to start producing PPE, including the local DIY scene.

Proton Deputy CEO, Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed said, “As a national automotive brand, Proton is driven by its responsibility to develop the local car industry and to support Malaysia and its people in their time of need.

“We have the knowhow to produce cars so we are using that knowledge to produce PPE equipment to support the brave men and women at the frontline of the battle against the spread of COVID-19,” he added.

According to Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, the face shields will be delivered in batches and will be distributed according the level of need in each district, working closely with the Ministry of Health.

As the Movement Control Effect (MCO) is still in order, the number of staff, and the movement and working hours of all staff involved in this production will be closely monitored to comply with the MCO distancing rules.

“The safety of everyone is of the utmost importance and therefore social distancing and sanitising practices will be strictly enforced on the production line,” added Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed.