Proton is on track to kick off production at its new electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, this September. The facility, located within the automaker’s high-tech compound, is currently 90.4% complete, with equipment installation at 83.5% and overall progress standing at 86.9%.
The new plant will produce multiple models built on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform. Production will begin with the Proton eMAS 7, which will become the country’s first locally made EV, followed by the upcoming eMAS 5 model. Proton has designed the facility with scalability in mind, starting with an annual capacity of 20,000 units and the flexibility to ramp up to 45,000 based on market demand both in Malaysia and abroad.
According to Proton, its EV plant incorporates specialised areas for battery assembly, high-voltage safety checks, and electrical testing. Layouts have also been tailored to suit flat EV underbodies and electric drive units. Proton added that modular tester lines and logistics systems have been built to accommodate multi-model production and future export needs. Supporting infrastructure such as utility systems, material handling paths, and digital traceability tools are already in place to handle expansion without major redesigns.
Ahead of launch, Proton says it is prioritising the hiring of operational and technical staff. Thirty non-executives have already been recruited and are undergoing training to prepare for production, with the company aiming to create more than 200 new jobs in EV industrialisation and technical services over time. It has also partnered with Polytechnic Sultan Azlan Shah to align training programmes and develop a stronger local talent pipeline.
Proton’s long-term partner Zhejiang Geely Holding Group has been heavily involved in the project, offering technical guidance, equipment support, and deploying experts for installation and trial runs. Geely also facilitated overseas training for the local automaker’s staff to ensure the plant meets global EV manufacturing standards.
(Source: Proton [official website])
