Proton eMas 7 CKD to begin production in September at new Tanjung Malim EV plant
The Proton eMas 7 CKD (local assembly) operations will begin in September at the company’s new EV plant in Tanjung Malim. The facility, which broke ground in February this year, is now 90.4% complete, with equipment installation at 83.5% and overall progress at 86.9%.
The Proton eMas 7 CKD will be the first model off the line, followed by the eMas 5 at a later stage. Both are built on Geely’s Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform. Proton says the plant was designed for scalability, with an initial annual capacity of 20,000 units that can be expanded to 45,000 units based on domestic and export demand.
Unlike Proton’s ICE facilities, the EV plant includes specialised zones for battery assembly, high-voltage safety and electrical testing, with layouts tailored for flat EV underbodies and electric drive units. A machine try-out has already been completed to validate equipment readiness before full calibration and validation.
The new plant will also bring new jobs. Proton has already hired 30 non-executives with Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) and diploma qualifications, with over 200 positions expected as production scales up. To build its talent pipeline, Proton is working with Polytechnic Sultan Azlan Shah (PSAS) on syllabus design and hands-on training.
Proton’s partner Geely has provided technical guidance, supported equipment selection, and deployed experts to assist with installation and trial runs, while also facilitating overseas training for local staff.
With the Proton eMas 7 CKD production set to begin next month, Proton says this marks the company’s transformation towards electrification and positions Malaysia as a regional hub for EV manufacturing.
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