Proton is on the verge of a historic milestone as its state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) production plant in Tanjung Malim nears completion, with full-scale operations slated to begin in September. Just six months after its groundbreaking ceremony in February, the facility has already achieved 86.9% overall progress, with building works 90.4% complete and equipment installation at 83.5%.

Once operational, the new facility will spearhead Malaysia’s transition into the electric mobility era, beginning with the Proton e.MAS 7—the nation’s first EV from a homegrown brand—followed by the highly anticipated Proton e.MAS 5, an entry-level model currently on display nationwide. Both will be built on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform, offering flexibility for future EV development.

Designed with expansion in mind, the plant is equipped to initially produce 20,000 vehicles annually, with scalability to ramp up output to 45,000 units depending on domestic and export demand. Its modular production lines, digital manufacturing execution systems (MES), and warehouse management systems (WMS) ensure the facility is future-proofed for multi-model production and international market readiness.

A significant milestone was recently reached with the Machine Try Out (MTO), during which the first car body was trialled at the factory. According to Wan Yousry bin Mohamed, Head of Manufacturing Engineering at Proton, this phase is crucial to validating equipment readiness. “We are now in the final stages of preparing for full-scale production, with calibration and validation activities ensuring we are fully prepared for the launch,” he said.

Ahead of production, over 30 non-executive staff—qualified with Malaysian Skills Certificates (SKM) and diplomas—have been recruited and trained. This marks the beginning of a broader employment push, with more than 200 new jobs set to be created as the plant scales up.

To sustain long-term talent growth, Proton has partnered with Polytechnic Sultan Azlan Shah (PSAS), aligning academic training with real-world industry requirements. This initiative not only supports workforce development but also positions Tanjung Malim as a hub for EV expertise in Malaysia.

The plant’s advanced layout accommodates the unique needs of EV manufacturing, including specialized zones for battery assembly, high-voltage safety, and electrical testing. Its design is enhanced by Geely’s technical expertise, from production system guidance and equipment selection to staff training and installation support. This collaboration ensures the plant meets international EV production standards, while offering flexibility for future models.

“This plant symbolizes Proton’s transformation and our commitment to a sustainable, high-tech future,” said Wan Yousry. “By strategically expanding our EV offerings and preparing for overseas markets, we are laying the foundation for Malaysia’s leadership in the regional EV landscape. The rollout of the e.MAS series will be a monumental step forward, both for Proton and for the nation.”