PETALING JAYA: Residents’ groups say proposed guidelines to address abandoned vehicles could help free up parking spaces and tackle public health and safety concerns, provided local authorities enforce them effectively.
The call follows the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s announcement in a parliamentary written reply dated Oct 30 that it was reviewing existing laws governing abandoned vehicles.
The review, undertaken in collaboration with the Transport Ministry, aims to clarify enforcement powers and expedite the removal and disposal of abandoned vehicles.
The ministry said the revised guidelines are expected to be implemented by local authorities in Peninsular Malaysia before the end of this year, while implementation in Sabah and Sarawak will be coordinated with the respective local authorities.
Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association (BBRA) adviser Datuk Mumtaz Ali said the move was long overdue, citing the number of abandoned vehicles in his neighbourhood.
He said the problem was particularly evident in roadside parking bays in key commercial areas of Bangsar and along major roads in the residential neighbourhood.
“I’ve been repeatedly highlighting to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) on the issue but so far no action has been taken.
“The verbal response we always get is that abandoned vehicle storage yards are overflowing and cannot take in any more,” he said.
Mumtaz said that while the proposed guidelines were welcome, effective implementation and enforcement should remain the priority.
TTDI Residents’ Association president Abu Hafiz Abu Huraira welcomed the proposal to allow local authorities to act more swiftly against abandoned vehicles.
“There are far too many abandoned vehicles in various parts of TTDI, and the number continues to grow. The current process makes it difficult for local authorities to take the necessary action.
“With this proposed measure, more parking spaces will be freed up, abandoned vehicles will no longer obstruct back lanes and junctions and similar issues can be addressed more effectively. Firm action should also be taken against the owners of such vehicles,” he said.
Beyond being an eyesore, Abu Hafiz said abandoned vehicles posed significant risks to public health and safety, as well as residents’ quality of life.
“Old and neglected vehicles can become breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, rats and other pests, increasing the risk of dengue and other diseases.
“Hazardous fluids such as engine oil and battery acid may also leak, contaminating the soil and groundwater,” he said.
From a safety perspective, Abu Hafiz pointed out that abandoned vehicles can be misused for criminal activities, vandalism or drug abuse.
They also pose a fire risk and may obstruct access routes for emergency vehicles.
“Limited parking spaces are further reduced when abandoned vehicles occupy public parking areas. Residents are often forced to park along roadsides, contributing to congestion and inconvenience.
“Local authorities such as DBKL also bear high costs in towing and disposing of abandoned vehicles. Ultimately, taxpayers shoulder part of this burden,” he said.
He added that abandoned vehicles were not a minor issue, but a threat to urban well-being that required urgent attention.
