KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 27): The Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim has realised RM7 billion in investments between 2018 and 2026.

The investments are expected to strengthen production capabilities, promote innovation and technology transfer, and support the expansion of the domestic automotive supply chain, said Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin on Tuesday.

Among the key developments completed are upgrades to national carmaker Proton's manufacturing facilities in Tanjung Malim, including expanded production capacity for metal stamping, painting, main body assembly, body sub-assembly, and trim and final assembly, as well as the production of new engines and transmissions featuring advanced technologies.

A 12-megawatt-peak solar farm within Proton's factory grounds has also been developed to improve energy efficiency in manufacturing operations.

Further industrial developments and facility upgrades in 2025 and 2026 include an electric vehicle manufacturing plant, expanded engine production capabilities, metal stamping facilities, new logistics centres and warehouses, and research and development laboratories, Sim told the Dewan Rakyat during the oral question-and-answer session on Tuesday.

AHTV is a strategic development initiative stemming from the partnership between DRB-Hicom Bhd (KL:DRBHCOM) and Geely, which aims to establish Tanjung Malim as a regional high-tech automotive hub.

The realised investments represent about one-fifth of the RM32 billion to RM40 billion targeted by 2035. Geely alone has pledged RM30 billion to serve as the hub’s anchor. 

Employment at AHTV has grown from about 2,000 workers in 2018 to 9,300 in 2026, and is projected to reach 22,800 by 2030.

Supporting infrastructure includes road networks, a gas pipeline from Bidor to AHTV, 5G telecommunications coverage, electricity and water supply, and fibre-optic connectivity.

The number of companies operating in AHTV has also increased from 11 in 2022 to 35, comprising component suppliers and logistics service providers, Sim added. 

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