Owners Must Settle All Dues Before Seized Luxury Cars Are Released - Loke

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- Owners of seized luxury vehicles must first settle all dues, including road tax, insurance and compounds, before their cars can be released, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said the seizures were carried out under existing laws, with no exemptions, despite reports that some owners were willing to pay a RM300 fine as it was cheaper than the annual road tax.

“Vehicles that are seized due to expired road tax and insurance will only be released after all payments are settled.

“This includes road tax, insurance coverage, and compound fines. There are no shortcuts,” he told reporters after launching the Pandasafe programme by food delivery company Foodpanda today.

Loke said many owners mistakenly believe that paying the RM300 compound is enough, stressing that strict enforcement is necessary to instil a sense of responsibility, particularly when it comes to road safety.

Asked if the government plans to raise the compound for such offences, Loke said the Transport Ministry is reviewing the proposal, but any increase would require amendments to existing legislation.

Loke also confirmed that the Road Transport Department (RTD) has been carrying out vehicle seizures as part of ongoing enforcement against non-compliant owners.

Previously, it was reported that the RTD had identified more than 1,000 luxury vehicles in Malaysia with expired road tax for extended periods.

Among the vehicles flagged were Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches, some reportedly owned by celebrities and prominent business figures, who claimed the cars were only used as ‘weekend cars’.

-- BERNAMA