KUALA LUMPUR: What began as a routine rental of a Toyota Alphard has turned into a baffling case after a car rental company discovered that both the MPV and its registration number were sold without its consent.
The business owner, who only wants to be known as Tan, said the vehicle bearing the coveted P111 plate was rented out to an independent agent, Brian Lee, on Jan 13.
He said the MPV was rented for RM12,000 a month, with Lee later requesting an extension, which Tan approved in his capacity as company director.
However, Tan said he was alerted to something amiss on Feb 25 when a friend asked if he was selling the rented vehicle, which remained registered under his company.
“I was shocked when my friend contacted me to check if I was selling the rented car,” he said at a press conference organised by the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department on Thursday (April 16).
Further checks revealed that ownership of both the vehicle and the special number plate had already been transferred to unknown parties.
The MPV was later found listed for sale at a showroom on a popular online platform, while the P111 registration number had been reassigned to a motorcycle in Johor.
“I don’t know how this could have happened as neither I nor my company were contacted regarding any transfer of ownership,” he said.
Tan lodged a police report on March 1, and investigations are ongoing.
MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong warned that the case could point to a new syndicate targeting vehicle and registration ownership.
“We have received two other similar complaints today alone,” he said.
“This is very concerning as it suggests that those responsible may be able to transfer ownership without the owner’s authorisation.”
Chong urged the Road Transport Department and the Transport Ministry to investigate the matter.
