THE Penang Development Corporation (PDC) today towed away the first of 11 abandoned cars on its land near Block 348, Gat Lebuh Macallum, as part of a concerted effort to address long-standing neglect and reclaim parking space for residents.
The operation serves as a stern warning to other vehicle owners who have yet to remove their abandoned cars.
PDC had begun issuing notices to owners of 31 abandoned vehicles in the MaCallum area on Sept 17 last year. So far, 20 vehicles have been removed voluntarily, while 11 remain.
PDC senior assistant manager Amran Ahmad said the remaining vehicles would be towed once all necessary clearance is obtained. In addition, PDC has sought police assistance to determine if any of the vehicles were cloned or stolen.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, who was present to witness the towing operation, urged the remaining owners to act before further enforcement is carried out.
“The issue of abandoned vehicles at MaCallum has persisted for 10 to 20 years. PDC, as the landowner, has already issued three notices to the vehicle owners. The owners or beneficiaries reclaiming their vehicles will be subject to a fine,” Wong said during a press conference at Block 348.
He explained that PDC’s involvement stems from its ownership of the land in MaCallum. “In other areas, the responsibility falls either on the apartment management or the local council, depending on whether the vehicles are abandoned on private or public property.”
Wong also encouraged owners to visit the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) website for information on selling their vehicles as scrap to any of the 11 registered contractors.
PDC developed 21 blocks of flats in the MaCallum area 30 years ago, which falls within Wong’s constituency. He said the removal of abandoned vehicles would free up much-needed space for current residents to park their vehicles.
The first notice to the 31 vehicle owners was issued on Sept 17, 2024, by PDC administrative officer Akram Koyappa, who affixed it to the cars’ windscreens. Two follow-up notices were issued at 14-day intervals.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En