LOCAL councils do not have direct enforcement powers over abandoned vehicles in strata-titled properties, says Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu.
She 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.
She clarified that 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,” she said during Ministers’ Question Time.
As such, she said that local authorities 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 spelt out under Act 757 and the management rights given to the communities in said properties,” she said when responding to a question raised by Azli Yusof (PH-Shah Alam).
Azli wanted to know what steps were being taken to amend the by-laws or regulations with regard to local authority action against abandoned vehicles in strata-titled properties.
Aiman Athirah added that the regulations on the management of abandoned vehicles by local councils, which were issued in 2020, are currently being reviewed.
Among them is the incorporation of the Road Transport Act to dispose vehicles without having to undergo a lengthy legal process, she said.
Also under review are several provisions of the Act that aim to expand the powers of local authorities within their jurisdictions, as well as the establishment of an online motor vehicle de-registration system.
