Proton’s first electric car, the e.MAS 7, will be the official car for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the move on Monday, highlighting it as a move to promote electric vehicles (EVs) in the region.
Anwar said the move demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions while embracing advanced green technology.
The Proton e.MAS 7 will be built in Tanjung Malim, Perak, which will create more jobs for Malaysians and help local businesses grow by adopting new skills and technologies related to EV production.
He urged Proton, as Malaysia’s national car manufacturer, to fully support the government’s goals by ensuring that the production of the car benefits local industries, including Bumiputera vendors.
Anwar stressed the importance of AHTV in creating jobs and supporting local vendors for Proton and other car brands.
He also praised the strong cooperation between Malaysia and China, which has helped Proton achieve greater success, especially through its partnership with Geely.
The EV sector is a key focus of the country's green initiative, which could attract investments worth RM1.3 trillion by 2050, add billions to the economy, and create 300,000 jobs.
The event also saw Proton's partner Geely donate RM1 million to support flood victims, marking a heartfelt conclusion to the launch.
