PROTON’s 10,000 sMILEs Expedition Arrives in Sarawak, Showcasing Real-World Performance Across East Malaysia

PROTON has brought its nationwide 10,000 sMILEs Expedition to Sarawak, taking participants on an epic journey from Miri to Kuching to demonstrate the real-world capabilities of the Proton Saga, Proton X50 and Proton S70 while celebrating the rich culture, communities and landscapes of East Malaysia.

Held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, the fourth round of the expedition travelled along the Pan Borneo Highway, intercity routes, rural roads and more challenging terrains, allowing participants to experience how PROTON’s vehicles perform under the same driving conditions encountered daily by motorists in East Malaysia.

The Sarawak convoy was officially flagged off from PROTON JL Motors Piasau 3S in Miri by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, YB Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, alongside representatives from local authorities, tourism agencies, dealer partners, members of the media, content creators, customers and invited guests.

Beyond showcasing its vehicles, the expedition reflects PROTON’s commitment to engaging customers outside the showroom by demonstrating the practicality and reliability of its vehicles in authentic, everyday driving environments.

Demonstrating Real-World Performance

Throughout the expedition, the Proton Saga, Proton X50 and Proton S70 were driven across a wide variety of road conditions, highlighting each model’s strengths for long-distance travel, city driving and everyday mobility.

The Proton S70 showcased its touring capabilities with participants experiencing the performance of its i-GT 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, smooth 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, ride comfort and intelligent driver assistance technologies over extended highway journeys.

Meanwhile, the Proton X50 highlighted its technology-focused features, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), intelligent voice recognition, connected services and smart parking assistance, demonstrating why it remains one of the brand’s most popular SUVs.

The Proton Saga continued to prove its reputation as a dependable and practical sedan, delivering comfort, convenience and reliability across both urban roads and rural routes, making it a trusted companion for Malaysian families.

Together, the three models successfully completed the journey under real-world driving conditions, allowing participants to experience their performance, comfort and technology beyond traditional showroom test drives.

Celebrating Sarawak’s Culture and Heritage

Beyond the drive, the expedition also embraced Sarawak’s unique cultural identity and tourism attractions through a series of engaging activities.

Participants visited Taman Tumbina in Bintulu, home to one of Sarawak’s well-known crocodile conservation stories, while also taking part in a Sarawak Laksa Hunt Challenge, showcasing how the vehicles’ connectivity and navigation features can enhance everyday travel experiences.

One of the journey’s cultural highlights was a visit to Rumah Panjang Gani in Pakan, where participants experienced traditional Iban hospitality and joined in the Gawai celebrations with members of the local community. The visit reinforced the important connection between mobility, culture and community.

The convoy also crossed the Batang Lupar Bridge, one of Sarawak’s key infrastructure landmarks, before completing the expedition at the iconic Kuching Cat Statue.

Strengthening PROTON’s Presence in East Malaysia

East Malaysia continues to be an important market for PROTON, supported by a growing network of sales and service centres across Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. The extensive network ensures customers enjoy convenient access to vehicle sales, servicing and after-sales support, further strengthening the ownership experience.

During the first five months of 2026, PROTON recorded sales of 12,916 vehicles across East Malaysia. The Proton Saga and Proton X50 remained the brand’s best-selling models, reflecting strong demand for practical, reliable and value-for-money vehicles.

PROTON currently holds an estimated 19% market share in East Malaysia, reinforcing its position as one of the region’s leading automotive brands.

“The Sarawak leg of the 10,000 sMILEs Expedition is about more than covering distance. It is about understanding our customers, experiencing the roads they travel every day and demonstrating how our vehicles perform in real-world conditions,” said Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid Musa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PROTON.

“At the same time, it allows us to celebrate the culture, hospitality and communities that make Sarawak unique. These experiences help us strengthen our connection with customers while continuing to improve the products and services we offer.”

Journey Continues in Kuching

Following the completion of Round 4, the 10,000 sMILEs Expedition will conclude with its final activities in Kuching, continuing to celebrate the connection between PROTON, local communities and the spirit of Visit Malaysia 2026.

Customers can stay updated on the latest convoy activities and upcoming events by following PROTON Cars Official across its social media platforms.