TANJUNG MALIM — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today launched Malaysia’s first assembly plant dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles (EVs), marking a major milestone for Proton and the nation’s automotive industry.

Located within the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim, Perak, the Proton EV plant has a maximum production capacity of 45,000 units a year.

The facility begins full-scale operations this month, just seven months after its groundbreaking in February.

The Proton e.MAS7 — Malaysia’s first EV, launched in December last year — will be the first completely knocked down (CKD) model assembled at the plant, followed by the smaller e.MAS5.

Through Proton’s partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd, other premium brands such as Zeekr will also be locally assembled at the site.

Built at a cost of RM82 million, the plant spans 5.57 acres. The first phase, valued at RM47 million, provides capacity for 20,000 units annually, with scalability up to 45,000 units.

Developed with technical input from Geely, the facility integrates automation with skilled operators and is equipped with tyre manipulators, sub-assembly lines, glass glazing machines, and EV electrical testing systems. Quality control will be reinforced with advanced inspection tools, while a dedicated part preparation area will streamline component handling.