The Prime Minister delivering his speech at the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley Launch.

TANJUNG MALIM, 12 April 2022 - The development of the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) can make Malaysia a hub for electric vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers, not only to the ASEAN market, but also to a wider market.

Prime Minister Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this development would be able to attract foreign investors, especially from China and other countries, because it has the potential to strengthen the automotive ecosystem in a large area.

“If other countries like the United States can be proud of Detroit, a district famous for its car manufacturing industry, it is not impossible that one day Tanjung Malim will be known as a great automotive hub in this region.

“Besides that, Tanjung Malim will see an economic overflow from the activities of the AHTV development project which is expected to generate 370,000 jobs during construction and 160,000 jobs when it is operational,” he said at the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley Launch Ceremony in Proton City here.

Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Saarani Mohamad, State Secretary Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Raja Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong, Perak Exco Members, DRB-Hicom Chairman Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin and DRB-Hicom Group Managing Director Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar.

“AHTV is aiming to be a Research and Development centre for global climate-based technologies with the setting up of a significant research university in this industry.

"Indirectly, AHTV will focus on the development of electric vehicles as the future direction of the automotive industry by capitalising on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the latest technology," he added.

The development of AHTV was proposed more than 10 years ago to strengthen PROTON's manufacturing operations from Shah Alam, Selangor to Tanjung Malim, so that it is more centralised and able to increase productivity.

Hopefully, the launch of AHTV will be a benchmark for another high-impact national development and drive the country's success holistically.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.