Segambut, Seputeh and Setiawangsa main areas for abandoned vehicles
Abandoned cars in mall and business car parks are a growing issue, often due to owners passing away or even financial hardship.
When we say financial hardship it is mostly due to loan defaults and costly repairs which might be more than the value of the car itself. Then there are legal issues (stolen cars, smuggled vehicles, ownership disputes after owner’s death), or simply leaving the car to rot due to moving abroad, while some are “money pits” from high maintenance costs.
With rising number of drivers in our cities, the need for parking space is important and the the illegal dumping of cars and clogging up available spaces and these cars are becoming eyesores and public health concerns (they become homes for rodents).
Meanwhile, authorities like DBKL in the biggest city in Malaysia is dealing with thousands of reports from frustrated motorists. So, DBKL and other large city councils are having to engage with tow operators to tow these vehicle to depots and using systems like JPJ’s eDereg to eventually clear scrap these cars for parts. Now we know the reporting and process can be slow, however residents can report them via apps like ResponRakyat.
Consequences & Actions:
Eyesores & Obstructions: They clutter parking bays, creating parking shortages and looking unsightly.
Health Concerns: Deteriorating cars attract pests, becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes, rodents, and reptiles.
Official Response: City councils (like DBKL) issue notices to owners under laws like the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 to remove them.
Report it: Contact your local city council (e.g., DBKL) via hotline (like 1800 88 3255), WhatsApp (019-212 0031 for KL), or platforms like Aduan Rakyat.
