KUALA LUMPUR: Local councils have no direct enforcement authority over abandoned vehicles in strata titled properties, says Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu (pic).
The Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister said local councils can, however, take action if there is an official request from either the Joint Management Body (JMB) or Management Corporation (MC) of the property.
Explaining, she said strata titled properties and the formation of JMBs and MCs are subject to the Strata Management Act as well as the Strata Management (Maintenance and Management) Regulations 2015.
“Based on these provisions, once the JMB or MC are officially formed, they have the authority and legal responsibility to manage, regulate and govern all matters within the common property, including abandoned vehicles in parking lots and public spaces.
“At this point, local authorities also have no jurisdiction to take action in these areas unless there is an official application or cooperation from the JMB or MC.
“We must respect the boundaries spelled out under Act 757 and the management rights given to the communities in said properties,” she said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Feb 26).
Aiman Athirah said a comprehensive review is being carried out on the management of abandoned vehicles by local councils which was issued in 2020.
This comprises measures including the incorporation of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) to dispose of vehicles without having to undergo a lengthy legal process.
Several provisions under Act 333 are also being reviewed to expand powers toward all categories of local authorities alongside their jurisdictions.
Another step taken includes the establishment of the online motor vehicle de-registration system (e-Dereg).
“It is being finalised through comprehensive engagements together with the Transport Ministry, Road Transport Department, police, Department of Environment, state governments and local councils,” she said.
The Deputy Minister was responding to Azli Yusof (PH-Shah Alam) who asked about steps taken to amend bylaws or regulations allowing local authorities to take action against abandoned vehicles in strata-titled properties.
