Tanjong Malim

Tanjong Malim, also spelled Tanjung Malim, is a prominent town situated in the state of Perak, Malaysia, strategically located along the Perak-Selangor state border, with Sungai Bernam serving as a natural divider. Historically, the town functioned primarily as a collecting and marketing hub for surrounding rural populations [1]. In recent decades, Tanjong Malim has undergone significant transformation, evolving into a key center for manufacturing and high-value services. This shift is largely attributed to the establishment of the Proton industrial complex and the upgrading of Institut Pendidikan Sultan Idris (IPSI) to Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), solidifying its role as a sub-regional center in southern Perak [1].

The town is approximately 70 kilometers north of Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, and about 120 kilometers south of Ipoh, the capital of Perak, accessible via the North–South Expressway [2]. Its strategic location and evolving economic landscape make it a notable area in the region. Tanjong Malim is also affectionately known as the "Education Town" due to the presence of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, which has been a pivotal institution in the country's education sector since its inception as Sultan Idris Training College [1].

• The population of Tanjong Malim was recorded as 66,103 people in the 2020 census [3].
• The total administrative area covered by the Tanjong Malim District Council is 949.86 square kilometers (366.75 square miles) [4].
• Tanjong Malim is recognized as the "Education Town" due to housing the main campus of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) [1].
• On January 11, 2016, Tanjong Malim became part of the newly declared Muallim District, the eleventh district in Perak [1].
• The town serves as a significant sub-regional center for the southern part of Perak state [1].
• Tanjong Malim is projected to become a global automotive hub, driven by the Automotive High Technology Valley (AHTV) project and the relocation of Proton Holdings Bhd's factory operations [5].

The town of Tanjong Malim primarily falls under the administration of the Tanjong Malim District Council, also known as Majlis Daerah Tanjong Malim (MDTM). This local government body oversees the territory that encompasses Tanjong Malim itself, along with adjacent smaller towns like Proton City, Behrang, Behrang 2020, Sungkai, and Slim River [4]. The administrative framework operates in accordance with the Local Government Act 1976 [4].

On January 11, 2016, Tanjong Malim became the seat of the newly established Muallim District, which is the eleventh district in the state of Perak. The Muallim District's Land and District Office is located in Slim River, and the district is subdivided into three mukims, or townships: Slim, Hulu Bernam Timur, and Hulu Bernam Barat. This administrative structure supports the town's development and services within its broader district context [4, 1].

Tanjong Malim's economy has transitioned from being a traditional collecting and marketing center for rural areas to a more diversified and manufacturing-centric hub. A major catalyst for this economic evolution has been the establishment of the Proton industrial complex. Coupled with the transformation of Institut Pendidikan Sultan Idris into Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), the town has developed into a center for manufacturing and high-value services [1].

Looking ahead, Tanjong Malim is strategically positioned to emerge as a global automotive hub. This growth is being driven by the ambitious Automotive High Technology Valley (AHTV) project, a substantial RM40 billion joint venture. This initiative includes plans for producing new energy vehicles and fostering talent development within the automotive sector. The relocation of Proton Holdings Bhd's factory operations to Tanjong Malim is expected to create thousands of job opportunities, further stimulating economic growth and attracting additional investment in related industries [5].

The business environment in Tanjong Malim is characterized by a dynamic transformation, attracting substantial investments, particularly within the automotive and technology sectors. The Automotive High Technology Valley (AHTV) project is a significant driver, aiming to position Tanjong Malim as a global automotive hub. This includes fostering new-generation car manufacturing, with a focus on electric vehicles (EVs), which in turn attracts associated vendors and businesses to the area [5].

The relocation and expansion of Proton Holdings Bhd's factory operations from Shah Alam to Tanjong Malim are anticipated to bring a substantial influx of workers and their families, creating a demand for various goods and services and further boosting the local economy. While past development experienced some slowness due to permitting processes, the national government is now fast-tracking investments and projects, indicating a strong commitment to accelerating growth and creating a more favorable climate for businesses in Tanjong Malim [5].

Tanjong Malim boasts a well-developed infrastructure that supports its growth as an industrial and educational hub. The town is highly accessible through its road network, including Federal Route 1 and direct access to Exit 121 of the North-South Expressway (E1), facilitating connectivity to major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh [2]. Public transportation is served by the KA15 Tanjung Malim railway station, which provides both Komuter services for local travel and ETS intercity services for longer distances. The town also has a bus station, enhancing local and regional connectivity [4, 1].

Within Tanjong Malim, the Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) houses its main campus, and the area encompasses Proton City, a planned township. Significant ongoing infrastructure developments include the expansion of Proton City's housing and municipal facilities to accommodate the growing workforce. Local authorities are also committed to improving public services and addressing environmental concerns, ensuring that the infrastructure evolves in tandem with the town's expanding population and industrial needs [5].

Tanjong Malim is rapidly emerging as a center for high-technology industries, with a particular focus on the automotive sector. The town's technological advancement is largely spearheaded by the ambitious Automotive High Technology Valley (AHTV) project. This initiative aims to establish Tanjong Malim as a leading global automotive hub, with a significant emphasis on producing new energy vehicles (EVs) [5].

The technological drive in the region incorporates modern manufacturing processes, including smart automation and AI-powered process management, signaling a shift towards advanced industrial practices. Furthermore, there are proposals to establish a university dedicated to technical and vocational education and training in automotive technology. This would further cultivate a skilled workforce and foster innovation, ensuring a sustainable technological ecosystem for the automotive industry and contributing to the overall high-value services sector in Tanjong Malim [5].