Proton has reached a monumental chapter in its history with the full relocation of all manufacturing operations to its advanced facility in Tanjong Malim, Perak. After nearly 40 years of production excellence at its Shah Alam plant, the national carmaker has officially centralised its entire manufacturing, assembly, and R&D activities within the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV), solidifying Tanjong Malim as the heart of Malaysia’s automotive innovation.

The milestone was marked by the completion of the final Proton Saga unit at the Shah Alam assembly plant on 30 September 2025, symbolising the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. The relocation of 1,400 skilled staff members from Shah Alam to Tanjong Malim marks the completion of a strategic transition that unites Proton’s operations under one technologically advanced hub.

Since commencing operations in 1985, the Proton Shah Alam plant has stood as the cornerstone of Malaysia’s automotive journey. Spread across 83.48 hectares and built with an investment of RM370 million, the facility was not just a manufacturing plant—it was a cradle of innovation. It housed the nation’s first automotive Research and Development Centre, complete with comprehensive testing facilities and a semi high-speed track that pushed the boundaries of local engineering.

Over nearly four decades, Shah Alam produced more than 4 million vehicles, including household names like the Saga, Wira, Perdana, and Exora. The site’s contribution to Malaysia’s industrial progress and automotive identity remains immeasurable, laying the groundwork for Proton’s transformation into a forward-looking, globally competitive brand.

The new Proton Tanjong Malim plant represents the evolution of Malaysia’s national carmaker into a next-generation automotive powerhouse. Now home to the production of the Saga, Persona, X-series SUVs, and the S70 sedan, the facility also houses Proton’s first New Energy Vehicle (NEV) assembly plant—marking its entry into the era of electrification.

The Tanjong Malim complex integrates five key production areas—Engine and Transmission Machining, Stamping, Body Assembly, Paint, and Trim and Final Assembly—ensuring seamless and efficient operations. As a testament to its advanced capabilities, the plant features Malaysia’s largest mechanical press and the first engine assembly line outside China to produce the 1.5 TGDi engine.

Operating under Industry 4.0 principles, Proton Tanjong Malim is designed to support a production capacity of 250,000 vehicles per year. This consolidation enables greater operational efficiency, enhances local vendor integration, and strengthens Proton’s role within the Geely Group as the primary right-hand-drive export hub for Southeast Asia.

Beyond manufacturing, the centralisation at Tanjong Malim reinforces Malaysia’s position in the regional automotive landscape. The inclusion of the nation’s first dedicated Electric Vehicle (EV) assembly plant within AHTV accelerates local EV industrialisation, opening new opportunities in high-value technical services, component development, and engineering innovation.

This transformation not only safeguards Proton’s long-term competitiveness but also revitalises Malaysia’s supplier ecosystem through greater localisation, sustainability, and job creation.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony for the relocated staff, Ainol Azmil, Covering Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton Holdings Berhad, expressed deep pride in the company’s evolution: “Today marks a historic milestone for Proton as 1,400 colleagues from Shah Alam begin a new journey at Tanjong Malim. With their decades of dedication and experience, Proton is prepared for the journey ahead, positioning our plant as the primary hub for the next generation of Proton vehicles.”

With all operations now consolidated in Tanjong Malim, Proton stands ready to lead Malaysia’s next phase of automotive advancement. The move signifies not only the continuation of the brand’s legacy but also a renewed commitment to technology, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

From its humble beginnings in Shah Alam to its high-tech evolution in Tanjong Malim, Proton’s journey reflects the story of Malaysia’s automotive aspirations—one that continues to inspire progress, innovation, and national pride.