THE owner of a fully electric BYD Atto 3 sport utility vehicle (SUV) that went viral following a sudden and unexplained braking incident on a Malaysian highway has officially parted ways with the car, citing safety concerns for his family.
Izwan Hassan, 33, confirmed via a Facebook post on Saturday that he had reached a full loan settlement agreement with BYD Sime Motors, which covered the outstanding amount on the vehicle.
“We appreciate the professional response from BYD Sime Motors in resolving the matter amicably by repurchasing the vehicle through a full bank settlement,” said Izwan.
“Although I incurred a slight loss from the instalments I had already paid, I could not risk a repeat of such an incident. My family’s safety is the priority.”
The incident occurred on 1 May while Izwan was driving with his family from Melaka to Penang along the Cheras–Kajang Expressway. According to his account, the SUV, purchased just 10 months earlier, came to an abrupt halt in the fast lane at a speed of between 90 and 100 kilometres per hour.
Initially thought to be caused by a faulty 12V battery, BYD later informed Izwan that the actual issue stemmed from a defective driver-side door sensor. After 12 days at the BYD Glenmarie service centre, company representatives visited him in Melaka to explain the findings.
“When the door sensor fails, the car’s safety system is automatically triggered. The hazard lights come on instantly, the brakes are activated very rapidly, and the car shuts down completely,” he explained.
“According to the dashcam footage, the car began braking at 00:21 while travelling at 106 kilometres per hour and came to a full stop at 00:27—in under seven seconds.”
Izwan said the system acted without any prior warning, and the vehicle’s tyres became locked, even after switching to neutral gear.
“It all happened too fast. We didn’t have time to react. The safety system is supposed to protect passengers—but in this case, it posed a danger,” he said.
The incident has sparked online debate among EV users and observers, raising questions about the reliance on automated safety features that may not provide advance warnings before triggering critical actions.
Izwan added that the experience has been a major lesson and that he is now carefully evaluating vehicle options with better safety systems and more reliable after-sales service.
“We’re now considering other car models with stronger safety credentials. I’ve also learned not to be easily swayed by viral promotions on social media,” he said.
BYD has yet to issue an official public statement regarding the matter. - June 1, 2025
