PETALING JAYA: They drive supercars worth hundreds of thousands of ringgit, even millions, but stinge on insurance.
When crashes happen, victims can be left with devastating injuries, crippling medical bills and years of financial hardship.
Authorities have uncovered a growing number of uninsured luxury vehicles on Malaysian roads, raising concerns over public safety and accountability.
Owners of these vehicles – ranging from Porsches, Ferraris and Lamborghinis to Bentleys and Rolls-Royces – face more than just the cost of fixing dents.
They expose innocent people to injuries or death that may go uncompensated, and risk inflicting life-altering financial strain.
Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council coordinator Mas Tina Abdul Hamid said apart from repair costs, victims could be staring at hefty medical bills or even long-term care expenses, which a driver at fault may not be able to bear if there is no insurance.
“What if the injured victims are breadwinners? The financial burden may spill over to families, affecting spouses, parents or children.”
The Transport Ministry revealed that last year, more than 6,350 luxury vehicles had unrenewed road tax, involving arrears amounting to RM35mil.
In Penang alone, the state Road Transport Department (JPJ) said that it impounded 73 luxury vehicles worth more than RM10mil last year.
One case involved a Rolls-Royce with an annual road tax of RM54,000, while others included 23 BMWs, a Porsche Taycan and a Lotus Eletre S models.
On Sunday, a businesswoman’s Bentley Continental, worth some RM3mil, was seized by the JPJ for not renewing road tax and insurance since 2018.
The owner, who also did not possess a valid driving licence, claimed that she had forgotten about the renewals, which were usually handled by her family.
While luxury cars draw attention, motorcycles account for the highest number of vehicles with lapsed road tax and insurance.
Mas Tina suggested stepping up enforcement through regular roadblocks to curb the problem.
She said the council proposes a mandatory purchase of insurance and road tax for all new motorcycles for at least the first three to five years, the period when accident risks are highest.
Criminologist Datuk P. Sundramoorthy said the seizure of the Bentley with road tax and insurance lapsed since 2018 was far from an isolated case.
Instead, it reflected a wider and troubling pattern.
Sundramoorthy said owners must face proportionate punishment and urged lawmakers to consider tougher measures, including mandatory custodial sentences for serious or repeat offences.
“Uninsured vehicles should be seized and auctioned.
“The proceeds should then be channelled into a victim compensation fund,” he added.
