Proton reaffirms commitment to Malaysia's EV agenda; to assemble key components at upgraded Tg Malim plant

Proton has confirmed that it will begin local assembly of critical electrified vehicle components at its upgraded Tanjong Malim facility. The announcement, made through parent company DRB-HICOM, highlights Proton’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s EV capabilities.

The components set for local assembly include the electric drive unit and a dedicated hybrid transmission, intended to support the company’s growing lineup of hybrid and electric vehicles. Proton has not yet provided a specific timeline for when production will begin.

At present, the automaker offers three electrified models: the fully electric e.Mas 5 and e.Mas 7, along with the plug-in hybrid e.Mas 7 PHEV. Of these, only the e.Mas 7 is assembled locally (CKD), while the others are fully imported (CBU).

Last year, Proton inaugurated Malaysia’s first plant exclusively for assembling battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), marking an RM82 million investment. This facility underscores the company’s active role in advancing the nation’s mobility agenda.

These capabilities are part of the broader Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) initiative, where Proton serves as a central player in establishing the hub as a nucleus for electrified vehicle development. AHTV is designed to attract foreign investment, promote advanced manufacturing, nurture talent, and boost research and development, reinforcing Malaysia’s competitive edge in future mobility.

Proton reports that its EV initiatives have already delivered promising results, reflecting its commitment to advancing local expertise, accelerating technology transfer, and positioning Malaysia as a competitive player in the global transition towards electrification.

As Malaysia’s first homegrown automotive OEM, Proton continues to strengthen the nation’s automotive industry and its supporting vendor network. The company’s local procurement has exceeded RM17 billion over the past five years (2021–2025) and is projected to reach around RM30 billion between 2026 and 2030.

Collaboration with key stakeholders, including ministries and government agencies, continues to be a priority, ensuring its strategies and investments align with the broader national agenda.

On the export front, Proton is aiming to double its footprint from 18 international markets over the next five years, underscoring its confidence in the global competitiveness of its vehicles.

Looking ahead, Proton reaffirms its commitment to supporting Malaysia’s automotive growth, enhancing local expertise, and reinforcing the country’s position in the global automotive landscape.