GEORGE TOWN: Penang has become the first state to introduce the Strata Scheme for Abandoned Vehicles, a collaboration between the Transport Ministry, state government, local authorities and the private sector to tackle the issue of dumping in strata housing areas.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the scheme addresses the serious issues caused by abandoned vehicles, including parking shortages that fuel resident tensions, as well as public health risks from Aedes mosquitoes breeding and potential use in crime.
"Until now, local authorities have faced constraints in disposing of these vehicles due to being bound by legal procedures, cost and time.
"Therefore, the state government's community-level initiative, through the Penang Island City Council, could be the best solution to overcome the problem of abandoned vehicle build-up in these high-density residential areas," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after launching the programme at Flat Turnkey Sri Pinang here today. Also present was Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.
Loke said the Transport Minister has introduced the e-Deregistration (e-Dereg) system, which simplifies vehicle disposal by allowing owners to cancel their registration online in under five minutes, eliminating the need to queue at the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
The scheme also partners with CarMedic, an automotive treatment company licensed by the Department of Environment, to ensure orderly and environmentally friendly disposal of the vehicles.
"The owner incurs no cost and will even receive a payment based on the vehicle's value, while the local authorities can reduce the operational burden of towing and storing abandoned vehicles," he said.
Consequently, he expressed hope that the efforts pioneered by Penang can serve as a model and be expanded to other states to resolve the issue of abandoned vehicles for a cleaner, more comfortable, and safer living environment.
Earlier at the event, the local government, town, and country planning committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, became the first person to use the e-Dereg facility by officially surrendering his vehicle for disposal.- Bernama
