MIDA Takes Kampung Cegar Residents On Eye-opening Visit To Proton Plant

TANJUNG MALIM, Dec 26 (Bernama) -- Twenty residents of Kampung Cegar, Bidor, were given a firsthand look at the fast-paced evolution of local automotive technology when they toured the Proton production plant last Monday, an initiative organised under the Malaysian Investment Development Authority’s (MIDA) corporate social responsibility programme.

MIDA Corporate Management Division director Zainal Abdul Rahman said the visit was part of MIDA’s Kampung Angkat MADANI programme, which aims to bridge the gap between industry and rural communities.

“The group taking part in the visit comprised parents and children from Kampung Cegar who were on their school holidays, along with several MIDA staff members.

“We chose Proton for the visit because it’s a national brand that’s been around since 1985 and has become a source of pride for the Malaysian automotive industry,” he told Bernama.

The initiative also allowed young people to experience the automotive workplace firsthand, sparking interest among those who may consider a career at Proton in the future.

Zainal expressed hope that such programmes could continue in the future to provide ongoing benefits to the local community while helping strengthen ties between industry and rural areas.

“Our appreciation goes to Proton for welcoming the participants, and we view the visit to a well-known automotive company as a very meaningful experience, especially for the rural community,” he said.

Meanwhile, two youth participants described the visit to the Proton facility as an eye-opening experience that gave them a better understanding of the local automotive industry.

They were given a close-up look at the entire vehicle manufacturing process, from frame assembly and painting to the quality control stage, before a car is launched to the market.

Muhammad Zaim Abdul Samad, 14, said he was excited to see modern technology and automation in use at the plant, which changed his perception that the automotive industry still relies entirely on manual labour.

“Seeing how the national car is made is a valuable experience, something not everyone gets to witness. The visit has motivated me to explore a career in the automotive industry, a field I’ve been passionate about since I was young,” he said.

Nor Alessa Balqis Amran, 18, said she had the chance to see up close the advanced technology used at the plant, particularly the high-tech automatic machines that put together engines and vehicle parts precisely and systematically.

“The visit changed my view of the automotive field, showing me that it’s not just for men and that women can also find opportunities and challenges to build a career in this industry,” she said.

Muhammad Zaim and Nor Alessa Balqis expressed their gratitude to MIDA and Proton for the valuable opportunity and hoped that similar programmes would be extended to children and youth in other villages.

--BERNAMA