TANJUNG MALIM: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton) to strengthen its global presence by expanding the market for its electric vehicles (EVs) to more countries.
The Prime Minister said it is important for Malaysia to leverage its strong international relationships to market Proton cars globally, particularly during the upcoming 47th Asean Summit in October, where he wants Proton to showcase its EVs.
“Apart from our Asean compatriots like China, South Korea, India and Japan, more countries will attend the summit. Presidents from Brazil and South Africa will also be here.
“We want to bring heads of state and delegates from participating countries to see for themselves the capabilities, performances and technology of Proton so that we can penetrate their market,” he said at the launch of Proton’s first EV plant here.
Anwar said he was thankful to China for sharing their technology with Malaysia, including in the automobile industry.
He said the launch of the plant reflects the close cooperation between Malaysia and China through Proton and its strategic partner, Geely, thus driving the country’s automotive industry to a higher level. The Prime Minister said the collaboration involved not just investment but also a commitment to technology transfer and training opportunities for local engineers to master future automotive technology.
“I want to thank the government of China because, in several of our meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, their commitment to cooperation has been clear.
“Not only do they benefit from the collaboration in this industry, but they are willing to transfer technology and provide space for locals (to be involved in the industry),” he said.
The Prime Minister also expressed hope that Proton’s EV cars can be priced lower and more competitively to fulfil the needs of the middle-income folk.
Anwar said while the industry sector in Tanjung Malim is developing, the welfare of the local community should not be forgotten.
“Their need for education, healthcare and basic amenities should also be a priority,” he said.
“All ministries are to see what is needed here, including schools, roads to rural areas from town and also training for youth.”
The plant is said to be capable of producing up to 45,000 units of EV cars annually.
It will produce multiple models from Proton’s Global Modular Architecture, including the Proton e.MAS 7 and e.MAS 5.
Anwar also witnessed the exchanging of a memorandum of understanding between Keretapi Api Tanah Melayu Bhd, AHTV Alliance Sdn Bhd and Railway Assets Corporation to conduct a feasibility study to build a railway logistics hub in Behrang.
