Abandoned vehicles have become a common sight in neighbourhoods and parking lots across Malaysia. In fact, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, highlighted in a Facebook post that Kuala Lumpur alone receives approximately 2,500 public complaints annually regarding this issue.
Hence, she has instructed the Department of the Federal Territories (DFT) and Department of Road Transport (DRT) to have a discussion to handle the issue immediately. The purpose of the discussion is to identify the loopholes in the current legislation in regards to disposing of the abandoned vehicles.
For instance, if a vehicle is abandoned on private premises, then it cannot be towed to the PBT depot. Meanwhile, the vehicles that have been towed are yet to be disposed of due to some legal constraints.
“Meanwhile, I encourage owners who wish to voluntarily dispose of vehicles to attend any licensed automotive treatment centre,” she added. “The process is simple and the owner will receive a cash payment based on the condition of the vehicle.”
This issue is important because abandoned vehicles pose a serious hazard to the environment. Studies have shown that these vehicles contribute significantly to environmental degradation by leaching heavy metals and other toxic substances into the soil and water systems, which can severely damage local ecosystems. Additionally, discarded tyres are a major source of microplastics and chemical pollutants, including heavy metals such as zinc and titanium.
All of these chemicals that are released can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, affecting the people in the nearby neighbourhoods. Disposing of these abandoned vehicles can be done through the e-Dereg system that was launched last year.
In the system, people who wish to dispose of their vehicle may go to an authorised automotive treatment facility (AATF) or have AATF staff come to their house. The owners just need to provide their MyKad details online.
(Source: Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa Facebook)
