KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM7bil in investments has been realised at the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim since 2018, while its workforce has expanded to 9,300, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin said the realised investments, including contributions from Chinese automotive giant Geely, represent 23.3% of the RM30bil estimated for the overall development of AHTV through 2035.
He said the workforce had grown from approximately 2,000 employees in 2018 to 9,300 this year, with the number projected to reach 22,800 by 2030.
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"The total investment associated with the development of the AHTV ecosystem is estimated at RM30bil through 2035.
"This includes investments already realised, ongoing investments and developments planned for the future," he told the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 27).
Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) had asked for a detailed list of projects that materialised under Geely's US$10bil investment commitment in Tanjung Malim.
Sim said the RM30bil figure should be regarded as an overall development estimate rather than fully realised investments.
He said the number of companies operating within AHTV increased from 11 in 2022 to 35 this year, comprising component suppliers and logistics providers.
"Among the major projects completed were upgrades to Proton's manufacturing facilities in Tanjung Malim, including expanded production capacity and capabilities in metal stamping, painting, body assembly and final vehicle assembly.
"The upgrades also include the production of new-generation engines and transmissions, alongside the development of a 12-megawatt peak solar farm within Proton's manufacturing complex to improve energy efficiency," he said.
Sim said industrial development and upgrading works undertaken since last year include an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant, expanded engine production capabilities, metal stamping facilities, a new logistics and warehousing centre, and a research and development testing laboratory.
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These developments will strengthen manufacturing capabilities, innovation and technology transfer while supporting the expansion of the domestic automotive supply chain, he added.
He said supporting infrastructure included road networks, a gas pipeline connecting Bidor to AHTV, 5G telecommunications coverage, electricity and water supply, and fibre-optic connectivity.
Sim said AHTV's long-term success would depend not just on investment figures and vehicle production capacity, but also on its contribution to the wider domestic automotive industry.
"This includes strengthening the technological capabilities of local companies, increasing the use of locally manufactured components, reducing dependence on imports and expanding exports of high-value automotive products," he said.
He also said continued emphasis on domestic value creation, local vendor development and export expansion are essential to ensure that the investments generate broader benefits for Malaysia's automotive industry and economy.
The AHTV initiative stems from a strategic partnership between DRB-HICOM and Geely on June 23, 2017, initially aimed at reviving and redeveloping Proton before expanding into a broader automotive industrial ecosystem.
AHTV was launched on April 12, 2022, as part of efforts to transform Tanjung Malim into a regional high-technology automotive hub.
