Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net), the green technology arm of national automaker Proton, has entered into a strategic partnership with Amtel Cellular (a subsidiary of Amtel Holdings Berhad) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to establish a responsible system for the handling, disassembly, and disposal of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The collaboration taps into Amtel’s expertise in prolonging the usability of EV batteries, contributing towards a sustainable circular economy by reducing battery-related waste. The initiative also supports the recovery and repurposing of critical materials from used batteries, which can be reused in new battery production or as alternative energy storage applications.
With the Malaysian EV market continuing to grow, the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) has projected that nearly 870,000 EV batteries will require recycling by 2050. Addressing this challenge will require a well-defined national framework to ensure these batteries are collected and processed in an environmentally sound manner, supporting the long-term sustainability of the local EV sector.
Pro-Net confirmed that all disposal processes will adhere to regulatory requirements set by the Department of Environment (DOE), particularly under the Electronic Scheduled Waste Information System (eSWIS).
Pro-Net CEO Zhang Qiang reiterated the company’s dedication to sustainability, stating, “As we lead the push towards eco-friendly mobility solutions in Malaysia, we also want to make sure that every step of the journey is environmentally responsible.”
He added, “Although there’s no official directive yet from the government, we believe in being proactive by establishing systems that support the safe and cost-effective recycling of EV batteries.”
Echoing this sentiment, Amtel Cellular CEO Lim Hun Teik noted that the alliance reflects their broader goal of developing a comprehensive ecosystem around the nation’s EV landscape. He said the company is committed to providing reassurance to EV users by ensuring proper battery management throughout the life of their vehicles.
