PENANG has become the first Malaysian state to launch a dedicated initiative aimed at eliminating abandoned vehicles from high-rise residential areas, through a strategic partnership between the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook officiated the launch of the programme, known as "Strata Free from Forsaken Vehicles", at Flat Turnkey Sri Pinang in George Town on the island last night, describing the effort as a significant step towards improving urban living conditions.
“It is a sore sight to behold and this should stop,” said Loke, who is also DAP Secretary-General, referring to the long-standing problem of derelict vehicles clogging up communal spaces in strata properties.
Under the initiative, residents can now work with authorities to remove abandoned vehicles more efficiently using the new e-Dereg system, an online deregistration platform developed by JPJ. The system allows vehicle owners to voluntarily deregister unwanted vehicles without visiting JPJ offices.
“The process takes less than five minutes, and owners do not need to be physically present at JPJ,” said Loke. “Once deregistered, the ownership record is removed from the JPJ system.”
He added that the digital mechanism addresses a major hurdle faced by local councils — the legal and financial complexities involved in towing and disposing of abandoned vehicles.
“Without a proper mechanism, local authorities are constrained by legal procedures, costs, and time in disposing of these vehicles,” he explained.
Once deregistered, vehicles can be removed by authorised recyclers such as Car Medic, which is licensed by the Department of Environment as an Authorised Automotive Treatment Facility (AATF). These companies either scrap the vehicles in an environmentally responsible manner or sell reusable parts through the secondary market.
Loke praised the Penang state government and MBPP for taking “a proactive step in tackling the issue of abandoned vehicles in strata housing areas.”
“This programme is a shining example of cooperation between state government, local authorities, ministries, and private stakeholders, and it should be emulated nationwide,” he said.
He also urged Joint Management Bodies (JMBs), Management Committees (MCs), and residents’ associations to help promote awareness of the scheme within their communities.
Beyond being an eyesore, Loke noted that abandoned vehicles pose environmental and health risks, such as becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests.
“I am proud that Penang has become the pioneer in carrying out this programme on a community scale, especially in strata areas. Vehicle owners will no longer face bureaucratic hurdles or hidden costs,” he added.
The scheme is expected to expand across other local councils in Malaysia, offering a streamlined, sustainable model for managing urban waste and improving shared living spaces. - September 21, 2025
