Kuala Lumpur is dealing with a growing number of abandoned and broken-down vehicles left in public parking spaces, says Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
“These cars are not only unsightly, but they also affect the city’s cleanliness, safety, and comfort,” she said in Parliament on July 24, responding to a question from Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun.
From January to May this year, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) received 1,009 public complaints about abandoned vehicles. Of these, 992 cases have been resolved, while 17 are still under investigation. According to Dr Zaliha, many vehicles are left behind after the owner passes away without any heirs, or are simply dumped at workshops and forgotten. Some are even kept for sentimental reasons and then abandoned.
“The problem is widespread. All 11 parliamentary areas in KL have reported cases, with the highest numbers in Segambut with 163 complaints, Seputeh with 143 cases, Setiawangsa recorded 113, and Bukit Bintang 81,” she says
DBKL’s enforcement team tows these vehicles to three dedicated depots with a total capacity of 3,100. Currently, 1,945 vehicles are stored, with the main depot in Taman Connaught holding over 1,500.
“To speed up disposal, DBKL is working on gazetting the vehicles. However, this takes time to allow rightful owners or heirs to claim them before they are scrapped,” the minister added.
Dr Zaliha also mentioned a new system introduced by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the e-Dereg system, which allows owners to cancel vehicle registration online. Once deregistered, the car can be sent to an Authorised Automotive Treatment Facility (AATF), which will handle towing and disposal for free.
