Voluntary Disposal Of Abandoned Vehicles To Ease Parking Woes In Lembah Pantai - Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- A voluntary abandoned vehicle disposal initiative for public housing areas in the capital is expected to ease parking shortages and traffic congestion, particularly in densely populated areas such as Lembah Pantai.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the initiative, led by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in collaboration with Car Medic Sdn Bhd, aims to address the long-standing issue of abandoned vehicles raised by city dwellers.

“In Lembah Pantai alone, I frequently receive complaints about abandoned vehicles causing parking shortages and traffic congestion.

“For residential areas under management corporations, which are privately owned, certain matters need to be coordinated to facilitate the disposal process,” he said after launching the voluntary disposal of old/abandoned vehicles programme at PPR Pantai Ria here today.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, City Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud and Wangsa Maju Member of Parliament Zahir Hassan.

Fahmi, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Lembah Pantai, said the number of abandoned vehicles in a single area can reach between 100 and 150, with some locations, such as Pangsapuri Pantai Permai, recording around 120 vehicles, including motorcycles.

The situation, he said, not only disrupts traffic flow but also poses health risks, as abandoned vehicles can become breeding grounds for rats and mosquitoes.

The voluntary scheme is expected to make it easier for owners to dispose of vehicles legally, hence reducing the number of unused vehicles occupying parking spaces, he said.

Meanwhile, Hannah Yeoh said abandoned vehicles are a common issue faced by MPs across Kuala Lumpur and expressed hope that more residents would participate in the voluntary disposal programme.

“This is among the reform efforts being implemented, and I hope it can be further improved to ensure that the well-being of the residents continues to be maintained,” said Hannah, who is also Segambut MP.

According to DBKL’s statement, more than 4,500 towing and removal actions were carried out between 2022 and 2025 following over 9,600 public complaints on abandoned vehicles. 

This year alone, 768 vehicles have been disposed of as of early April.

To improve efficiency, DBKL has appointed Car Medic to manage towing, logistics, storage and environmentally sustainable disposal, including the voluntary scheme in public and strata housing.

Under the programme, vehicle owners are offered cash incentives ranging from RM100 to RM2,000 depending on the type and condition of the vehicle, along with a simplified deregistration process via the e-Dereg system.

DBKL warned that enforcement action, including towing and disposal, will be taken if owners fail to act within the stipulated period.

-- BERNAMA