KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is rising as a regional base for right-hand-drive (RHD) markets as China’s Great Wall Motor (GWM) begins production here.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said GWM’s decision to assemble the WEY G9 in Malaysia is positioning the country as a regional hub for RHD markets.
“GWM Malaysia, though operating via contract assembly, is regarded as a strategic entity by its principal in China. The local assembly of the WEY G9 MPV in Malaysia marks the first production of this model outside its home country, establishing Malaysia as the regional hub for right-hand drive markets,” he said at Global Automotive and Technology Expo 2025 (GATE 2025) today.
China is a left-hand drive country.
Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia is not just building vehicles, the country is fast becoming a hub for the future of mobility.
“Malaysia is ready to capture this opportunity. With a strong semiconductor base, abundant rare earth resources and a mature manufacturing ecosystem, we are well-positioned to lead.”
He said that under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the go
vernment is charting Malaysia’s transition towards high-value, sustainable and tech-driven industries. “Complementing this, the National Automotive Policy 2020 provides a roadmap to position Malaysia as a regional hub for next-gen vehicles, energy efficient transport and component innovation.”
Malaysia is also advancing digital infrastructure through the RM2 billion Sovereign AI Cloud – strengthening data sovereignty and enabling large scale AI adoption across mobility, semiconductor design and advanced manufacturing. Tengku Zafrul said.
“Additionally, RM180 million has been allocated under the NIMP Industrial Development Fund to support high-impact industry development, alongside enhanced incentives and tax reforms to drive deeper industrial participation, localisation, and productivity.”
With all these, Tengku Zafrul said, Malaysia aspires to evolve from a producer of goods to a creator of technology, innovation, and intellectual property.
He also said the automotive sector is one of Malaysia’s most important industrial pillars. “In fact, Malaysia held the number one vehicle market position in Southeast Asia during the first half of 2025.”
To support the growth of the EV manufacturing ecosystem, he said, the current CBU EV tax exemption framework scheduled to run until Dec 31, 2025 is being aligned with the broader push for local assembly, CKD operations, and parts localisation.
“This strategic shift aims to strengthen industrial participation and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness within the regional supply chain.”
To support local vendors, Malaysia will introduce essential list and localisation incentives to strengthen domestic supply chains and expand export opportunities.
“Our national champions are making strong progress, Perodua’s EV programme is on track, and Proton’s launch of the e.MAS 5 signals our industry’s capability and ambition. In short, Malaysia’s automotive policies under the Madani government are not just credible, they are competitive,” Tengku Zafrul said.
GATE 2025 is organised by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute and Derrisen Sdn Bhd, bringing together global original equipment manufacturers, suppliers and technology innovators. The event is supported by Proton and Perodua as Platinum Partners while GWM participates as a Gold Partner.
