Proton opens first EV plant in Malaysia – e.MAS 7 CKD production begins at Tanjung Malim

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton today marked a historic milestone in Malaysia’s automotive journey with the launch of the country’s first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) plant.

The event, held at Proton’s manufacturing complex in Tanjung Malim, Perak, was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and signals Proton’s decisive move into electrification.

The RM82 million facility broke ground on February 7, 2025, and Proton has completed the project ahead of its original end-2025 timeline.

Also Read: Proton e.MAS 7 remains Malaysia’s best-selling EV for seven straight months

In less than a year, the plant has gone from blueprint to production readiness — a feat that underlines the urgency with which Proton is pursuing EV development.

Production begins this month, September 2025, starting with the Proton e.MAS 7. The model, launched in December 2024 as a CBU import from China, will now be assembled locally as a CKD, strengthening Proton’s role in the national EV roadmap.

The smaller Proton e.MAS 5 will be the next model to roll off the line, further diversifying the company’s EV portfolio.

Phase one of the plant provides an annual capacity of 20,000 units, with provisions to expand up to 45,000 units depending on local and export demand.

Proton designed the facility with scalability in mind: modular production lines allow multiple models to be built on the same line, while tester stations can be adjusted to handle different platforms.

Key EV-specific facilities set this plant apart from Proton’s conventional ICE lines. Dedicated areas have been created for battery assembly, high-voltage safety checks, electrical testing, and flat underbody layouts tailored for EV platforms. In addition, electric drive unit integration has been factored into the factory’s design.

To ensure seamless operations and global quality standards, Proton has equipped the plant with advanced digital systems including a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and a Warehouse Management System (WMS).

These provide full traceability and logistics efficiency. A machine try-out (MTO) was completed prior to calibration and validation, confirming equipment readiness for mass production.

As mentioned by the Prime Minister during the launch, Proton’s global partner Geely has been instrumental in bringing the facility online. Beyond providing guidance on production systems, Geely also helped select equipment, deployed experts to oversee installation and trial runs, and arranged overseas training for 19 Proton staff to familiarise themselves with international EV standards.

This partnership ensures the plant not only meets local requirements but also aligns with global EV manufacturing practices, enabling Proton to target export markets confidently in the near future.

Job creation and wider Impact

The new factory will create over 200 new jobs, many of which will focus on high-tech skills tied to EV manufacturing. This is in line with Malaysia’s push to develop a future-ready workforce while supporting the country’s low-carbon ambitions.

The plant is also a pivotal piece of the government’s Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) initiative, which aims to position Tanjung Malim as a hub for next-generation vehicles.

At today’s launch, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between AHTV and the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) to develop a rail logistics hub in the area, further strengthening the ecosystem that will support Proton’s EV ambitions.

Malaysia’s EV manufacturing future begins

With the Proton e.MAS 7 as the first locally assembled model and the e.MAS 5 next in line, the new plant is more than just an expansion of Proton’s production footprint — it represents the company’s evolution into a serious EV contender.

As Proton Managing Director Dr Li Chunrong has stated, the facility is not just about one model. It positions Proton as a regional leader in electrification, expands opportunities for export, and supports Malaysia’s shift towards sustainable, high-tech mobility.

Today’s launch proves that Malaysia’s national carmaker are ready to ride the EV wave, starting right here in Tanjung Malim.

Also Read: Proton X50 now comes with factory-fitted Touch ‘n Go RFID tag