The ripple effects of Malaysia's movement control order (MCO) can be felt in other parts of the world, one of which sees Proton's Pakistani operations now grappling with a further delay to their plans of beginning local assembly (CKD) there.

Al-Haj Automotive Private Limited - Proton's exclusive authorised distributor and assemblers in Pakistan - issued a statement on 6-July clarifying the matter.

The company says that while they're "equipped to start local assembly of Proton vehicles", a "hold-up in supplies of CKDs" have led them to anticipate a further delay of two months before they can start local assembly.

The plant was earlier slated to begin operations by the end of July or early August 2021.

Thus far, over USD 30 million (~RM 126 million) has been invested in the Karachi facility, with an expected production capacity of 25,000 units per annum.

Also read: Proton to start assembly in Pakistan by Q3 2021 – X70, Saga first models

Only two models are sold there for the time being - the Saga, and the X70. Meanwhile, the X50 is reportedly earmarked for them as well.

Currently, Pakistan is Proton's best export market, closely followed by Egypt and Brunei.

Also read: Proton achieves highest export sales since 2013; Thailand and Indonesia market next

Closer to home, Malaysians now know a lot about the upcoming Proton Persona and Proton Iriz, and all that's left is for them to make their official launches.

Also read: Thanks to PDRM, we now know how the new 2021 Proton Persona's interior look like