PETALING JAYA: The proposed Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) project will propel Tanjung Malim into a world renown motoring hub in the region, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       The Prime Minister said the AHTV will enable Malaysia to be a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles (EV) and components to the Asean region.

       "This development will attract the interest of foreign investors, specifically from China and other countries, as it has the potential of strengthening the global automotive ecosystem in a large area.

       "If other countries such as the United States can be proud of Detroit, which is a district known for automotive manufacturing, it isn't impossible that one day, Tanjung Malim can be known as a great motoring hub in this region," he said.

       Ismail Sabri was speaking when launching the development plan of the AHTV at the Proton City Sports Complex on Tuesday (April 12) evening.

       Ismail Sabri also reiterated that the AHTV could generate 370,000 new jobs when it is being constructed and another 160,000 jobs when it begins operations.

       "Other development, such as industrial parks and real estate development for commercial purposes, has a potential to generate RM32bil as a whole by 2030," said Ismail Sabri.

       The RM32bil AHDB that is set to be developed by DRB-Hicom Bhd was first announced during the Umno General Assembly last March 19.

       Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said AHTV is aiming to be a research and development centre for climate-based technologies, as it plans to set up a university research centre.

       "Indirectly, the development can place emphasis on the development of EV, by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and the latest technology," added Ismail Sabri.

       Efforts to develop AHTV into an EV manufacturing hub is in line with Putrajaya's commitment in ensuring Malaysia becomes a carbon-neutral country by 2050, said Ismail Sabri.

       "The government hopes this project will propel the urban industry and other sectors to reduce greenhouse emissions.

       "God-willing, with thorough planning, the AHTV will benefit not just locals (at Tanjung Malim), but Malaysians in general," added Ismail Sabri.

       Also present during the launch was Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, DRB-Hicom chairman Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin and its group managing director Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar.

       Wan Zulkiflee, who spoke in a speech earlier, said the AHTV development could raise RM24.5bil in Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP).

       "It is our vision and ambition to ensure AHTV can be a renowned regional automotive hub, which will ensure prosperity for Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family)," added Wan Zulkiflee.

       Wan Zulkiflee said 600,000 cars are sold annually in Malaysia, making the country's automotive industry the 23rd largest in the world.

       "The automotive industry contributed RM30bil to the GDP, and direct employment of more than 710,000 people.

       "Nearly 30 factories for the assembly and manufacturing of vehicles are present in Malaysia, alongside hundreds of other factories manufacturing car components in the country," Wan Zulkiflee added.