A special series launched by Proton in 2016 as part of a corporate branding exercise and fundraiser. “PROTON” 1-9999 was particularly aimed at loyalists of the national carmaker and coincided with Proton’s rebranding efforts. Bidding was conducted via closed tender for premium numbers and direct sale for others. Some numbers were reserved for Proton’s corporate use – PROTON 1 was rumoured allocated to Proton’s founder (Tun Mahathir) or a ceremonial vehicle. Enthusiasts and staff purchased many mid-range numbers. The series didn’t publicly disclose its proceeds, but it likely supported Proton’s CSR or R&D programs. After issuance, unsold plates were distributed at JPJ counters. Today, PROTON plates are seen both on Proton cars (to show brand pride) and occasionally on other makes as a quirky choice. The prefix itself being the company name makes it highly recognizable. This one-off series now lives on as a piece of Proton’s heritage – symbolizing the public’s solidarity with the national car during challenging times (Proton was seeking a foreign partner around 2016). It’s a collectible prefix for Malaysian automotive fans. Key Facts: Issue Date: 2016 Issuance Range: 1 - 9999 Rarity: Limited (9,999 plates, corporate one-off) Transfer Rules: Standard