PROTON Brings 10,000 sMILEs Expedition to Sarawak, Showcases Saga, X50 and S70 Across East Malaysia

PROTON’s 10,000 sMILEs Expedition has reached Sarawak, taking participants on a journey from Miri to Kuching to showcase the real-world capabilities of the Proton Saga, Proton X50 and Proton S70 while highlighting the culture, communities and landscapes of East Malaysia.

Held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, the fourth round of the expedition covered sections of the Pan Borneo Highway, intercity routes, rural roads and selected challenging terrain, giving participants an opportunity to experience how the vehicles perform in the conditions faced daily by East Malaysian motorists.

The Sarawak leg was flagged off from PROTON JL Motors Piasau 3S in Miri by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.

According to PROTON, the expedition forms part of its effort to engage with customers beyond the showroom while demonstrating vehicle performance in real-world driving environments.

Three Models, Three Different Roles

Throughout the convoy, participants drove the Proton Saga, Proton X50 and Proton S70 across a variety of road conditions, highlighting the strengths of each model.

The Proton S70 was put through long-distance highway driving, allowing participants to experience its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, ride comfort and driver assistance technologies over extended journeys.

Meanwhile, the Proton X50 showcased its technology-focused features, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), connectivity functions, voice recognition and intelligent parking assistance.

The Proton Saga, PROTON’s long-running volume seller, reinforced its reputation as a practical and dependable sedan, offering comfort and convenience for both urban and rural travel.

Together, the three vehicles completed the route under real-world conditions, providing a practical demonstration of their performance, comfort and technology outside the controlled environment of a conventional test drive.

Celebrating Sarawak’s Culture and Attractions

Beyond driving activities, the expedition also incorporated several tourism and cultural experiences across Sarawak.

Participants visited Taman Tumbina in Bintulu and took part in a Sarawak Laksa Hunt Challenge, which highlighted the use of in-car navigation and connectivity features during everyday exploration.

One of the cultural highlights was a visit to Rumah Panjang Gani in Pakan, where convoy participants experienced traditional Iban hospitality and Gawai celebrations with members of the local community.

The convoy also crossed the Batang Lupar Bridge before concluding its journey at the iconic Kuching Cat Statue, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

East Malaysia Remains Important Market for PROTON

PROTON said East Malaysia continues to be a key market for the company, supported by an expanding sales and after-sales network across Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei.

For the first five months of 2026, PROTON recorded sales of 12,916 units in East Malaysia. The Proton Saga and Proton X50 were the brand’s best-selling models in the region during the period.

The national carmaker currently holds an estimated 19 per cent market share in East Malaysia, reflecting continued demand for its range of vehicles among customers in the region.

“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.”

Following the completion of Round 4, the 10,000 sMILEs Expedition will continue with its final activities in Kuching as PROTON concludes the nationwide campaign.

CarTok Editor’s Note

East Malaysian motorists are also looking at the same factors as their Semenanjung brethren such as ride comfort, fuel efficiency, durability and after-sales support. By putting the Saga, X50 and S70 through thousands of kilometres of actual driving conditions, PROTON is allowing its products to make the case for themselves. For motorists, the real test of a vehicle begins after leaving the dealership, when it faces the same highways, towns and rural roads driven every day.