Proton has reached a historic turning point with the complete relocation of all its manufacturing operations to Tanjong Malim, Perak. After nearly forty years of pioneering Malaysia’s automotive industry from its original Shah Alam plant, the company has officially shifted its entire production line and workforce to the state-of-the-art Proton Tanjong Malim facility within the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV).
The transition was marked by the final unit of the Proton Saga rolling off the Shah Alam production line on 30 September 2025—symbolising the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the national carmaker.
Production of the popular Saga now continues at Tanjong Malim, alongside other models such as the Persona, the X-series SUVs, and the S70 sedan. The facility also hosts PROTON’s first New Energy Vehicle (NEV) assembly line, further anchoring its role in Malaysia’s electrified mobility future.
Established in 1985, the Proton Shah Alam plant laid the foundation for Malaysia’s automotive manufacturing journey. Covering 83.48 hectares and representing an investment of around RM370 million, it was home to the nation’s first automotive Research and Development Centre.
Equipped with a semi high-speed test track and advanced testing facilities, it played a pivotal role in nurturing local engineering expertise.
Over nearly four decades, more than four million vehicles were produced at Shah Alam, including some of Malaysia’s most recognisable nameplates such as the Saga, Wira, Perdana, and Exora. While production has now moved north, PROTON continues to carry forward the same spirit of innovation and excellence that shaped its heritage.
To celebrate the relocation of the final 1,400 employees from Shah Alam, PROTON hosted a welcoming ceremony at its Tanjong Malim plant. The event was officiated by Ainol Azmil, Covering Deputy Chief Executive Officer, alongside members of PROTON’s senior management team.
The move consolidates PROTON’s assembly, R&D, and manufacturing operations under one roof, positioning Tanjong Malim as the central hub of the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV)—a site fast gaining recognition as one of Southeast Asia’s most advanced automotive ecosystems.
The facility integrates five major production divisions: Engine and Transmission Machining, Stamping, Body Assembly, Paint, and Trim and Final Assembly. Designed around Industry 4.0 principles, the plant features cutting-edge automation, including Malaysia’s largest mechanical press in its stamping line and the region’s first engine assembly line outside of China for the 1.5 TGDi engine.
With an annual capacity of up to 250,000 vehicles, the integrated Tanjong Malim complex strengthens PROTON’s local supplier network and supports higher component localisation. It also plays a strategic role as Geely Group’s right-hand-drive export hub for Southeast Asia and hosts Malaysia’s first dedicated Electric Vehicle (EV) assembly facility.
This expansion not only secures a more robust domestic supply chain but also creates new high-value employment opportunities in EV manufacturing, component development, and advanced technical services—supporting Malaysia’s transition into a regional automotive powerhouse.
