In a decisive move to promote road safety and sustainable mobility, Proton has officially launched the Proton Xchange Programme, an initiative encouraging owners of old and unroadworthy vehicles to trade them in for brand-new Proton models, including the highly popular Proton e.MAS 7.
The launch, held at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Subang Jaya, was officiated by the Minister of Transport, YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, with key Proton figures including Chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar and Chief Executive Officer Dr Li Chunrong present. The event also welcomed representatives from Car Medic Sdn Bhd, the Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ), the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), and the Malaysian Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii).
As part of the initiative, Proton is working in collaboration with Car Medic Sdn Bhd, a Department of Environment (DOE)-certified and JPJ-appointed authorised automotive treatment facility (AATF), to manage the safe deregistration and environmentally responsible disposal of old vehicles. The programme is open to all car brands, not just Proton owners.
To make the programme viable and attractive, Proton has allocated RM4.8 million for the pilot phase, which runs until the end of December 2025. Eligible participants will receive RM2,000 in overtrade support towards the purchase of a new Proton vehicle. This includes the Proton e.MAS 7, which currently holds the title of Malaysia’s best-selling electric vehicle. Loke also stated that eligible participants will receive a one-year free road tax as a contribution from the government towards this initiative.
To qualify, vehicles must be 15 years or older and deemed uneconomical to repair for continued road use. Accepted vehicle types include sedans, MPVs, vans, 4x4s, lorries, and buses. Participants are required to provide proof of ownership and must complete a full deregistration process, which includes obtaining a Vehicle Ownership Certificate (VOC) for the new vehicle, a JPJK1KD form from JPJ, and a Certificate of Destruction (COD) issued by Car Medic.
Car Medic facilitates the deregistration through its e-Dereg service, which includes door-to-door support in selected areas and group deregistrations within two days for more than five vehicles. The company ensures all necessary checks, towing, deregistration and safe disposal procedures are properly handled.
As the only Malaysian automotive manufacturer offering internal combustion engine (ICE), mild-hybrid, and fully electric vehicles in its current line-up, Proton is positioning itself as a leader in the country’s shift towards greener transportation. The Xchange Programme marks the first large-scale vehicle replacement initiative by a domestic brand, underscoring Proton’s role in driving environmental stewardship and road safety.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke praised Proton’s leadership, noting that the initiative goes beyond commercial interest and demonstrates a strong commitment to public safety and national environmental goals. He urged other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to follow suit in supporting the government’s broader sustainable mobility agenda.
Echoing the minister’s sentiments, Dr Li Chunrong emphasised Proton’s long-term vision. He said the Xchange Programme not only helps Malaysians upgrade to safer, more efficient vehicles, but also underlines the brand’s dedication to innovation and responsibility. He expressed hope that this initiative will serve as a catalyst for the widespread replacement of older vehicles with newer models equipped with advanced safety technologies.
With plans for further model launches—including a second EV—Proton is positioning itself at the forefront of Malaysia’s journey toward becoming a carbon-neutral nation by 2050.
