Proton has officially launched its electric vehicle (EV) factory, roughly seven months after it broke ground for the new facility. Located in Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV), Tanjung Malim, the new EV factory will begin local assembly (CKD) operations in September 2025 with the Proton eMAS 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7), followed by the upcoming eMAS 5 (stylised as e.MAS 5), which is slated to be launched by the end of 2025.
The all-new EV production plant will have an initial capacity of 20,000 units annually during its “first phase” of operations. According to Proton, the plant is capable of increasing capacity up to 45,000 units in the second phase, depending on sales demand in both the Malaysian and overseas markets.
The result of an RM82 million investment, Proton’s new plant features specialised zones for dedicated EV assembly works like battery assembly, high-voltage work, and safety testing. It is also future-proofed, utilising advanced infrastructure such as digital traceability tools and modular production lines to allow for future capacity expansion without the need for significant redesign. Other equipment present on the production line includes a fluid filling machine, a glass glazing machine trim line, and a chassis number engraving machine.
Geely, Proton’s key partner, provided technical support by offering guidance on the production system and equipment, providing on-site expert support, and also overseeing training for 19 Proton staff members to meet global EV requirements. To support the ramp-up before the plant’s opening, 30 fully trained employees were added to assist in critical operations and technical roles.
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The establishment of Proton’s EV plant in AHTV is part of the national carmaker’s bigger plan to relocate all of its manufacturing operations to Tanjung Malim. It also aligns with the Malaysian government’s broader strategy to encourage both EV adoption and local production, as outlined in the national EV industrialisation plan.
The plant will also lead to the creation of 200 new jobs specialising in EV industrialisation and technical services for the surrounding local community. Proton has already hired 30 non-executives with Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) and diploma backgrounds, with the immediate goal of fully training these key personnel before full-scale production begins in mid-September.
Further supporting local talent, Proton has also collaborated with Polytechnic Sultan Azlan Shah (PSAS) by providing technical syllabus input and supporting hands-on training initiatives.
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