PENANG today made history as the first state in Malaysia to roll out a community-scale initiative to tackle the growing problem of abandoned vehicles in high-rise housing schemes, through the launch of the “Skim Strata Bebas Kenderaan Usang”.
The programme, held at Flat Turnkey Sri Pinang, was jointly officiated by Transport Minister Anthony Loke and state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye.
Also present were Human Resources Minister and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong, and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Loke commended Penang for its proactive approach in handling a long-standing urban issue.
“I wish to record my highest appreciation to the Penang government and the MBPP for taking a proactive step in tackling the issue of abandoned vehicles in strata housing areas,” he said in his speech during the launching ceremony this morning.
He stressed that the initiative serves as an excellent model of collaboration between the state, local councils, the ministry, and the private sector.
“This programme is a shining example of cooperation between state government, local authorities, ministries, and private stakeholders, and it should be emulated nationwide,” Loke added.
Loke highlighted that abandoned vehicles in high-rise schemes not only create an eyesore but also lead to pressing issues.
“They take up limited parking spaces and create tension among residents, become breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes and rats, and even risk being misused for criminal activities if left neglected,” he said.
He also noted the legal and financial hurdles faced by local councils in disposing of such vehicles.
“Without a proper mechanism, local authorities are constrained by legal procedures, costs, and time in disposing of these vehicles,” he explained.
To address this, the Ministry of Transport has introduced the e-Deregistration (e-Dereg) system, a digital platform that enables vehicle owners to voluntarily deregister and scrap their vehicles in a fast, legal, and transparent way.
“The process takes less than five minutes, and owners do not need to be physically present at the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
“Once deregistered, the record is legally cancelled in JPJ’s system,” Loke said.
He added that through collaboration with licensed Authorised Automotive Treatment Facilities (AATF), the scrapping process is safe and environmentally friendly.
Praising Penang for spearheading the effort, Loke said the collaboration with Car Medic (an AATF licensed by the Department of Environment) has simplified the entire process.
“I am proud that Penang has become the pioneer in carrying out this programme on a community scale, especially in strata areas. Vehicle owners will no longer face bureaucratic hurdles or hidden costs,” he said.
He also revealed that the state’s leadership is leading by example.
“I was informed that the state executive councillor for Local Government himself will be handing in his own vehicle for deregistration today.
“This symbolic step shows the state leadership’s commitment to lead by example, and I believe it will encourage more residents to follow suit voluntarily,” Loke said.
He called on joint management bodies (JMBs), management committees (MCs), and residents to spread the word widely.
Take this as an opportunity to clean up your housing areas and make them more comfortable, organised, and safe. The Ministry of Transport remains committed to supporting this effort and is ready to help other states adopt the same approach,” he added.
Meanwhile, H’ng also commended MBPP for initiating the meaningful programme.
“First of all, I wish to congratulate MBPP for organising this very meaningful programme.
“The scheme is a new initiative that aligns with the state government’s efforts to improve the quality of life for residents in strata housing,” he said.
H’ng reiterated the problems caused by abandoned vehicles.
“This is not a minor issue. Abandoned vehicles spoil the image of the neighbourhood, pose safety risks, reduce parking spaces, and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and pests,” he said.
He stressed that Penang was among the first states to introduce an integrated solution for this problem.
H’ng has also made a symbolic pledge of support where this scheme is concerned.
“To show the state government’s full commitment to this initiative, I am pleased to announce that I will be the first vehicle owner to use the e-Dereg facility by deregistering and scrapping my own vehicle today.
“This is our commitment to lead by example and to show that the state government is serious in freeing strata communities from the burden of abandoned vehicles,” he said.
H’ng urged JMBs and MCs present at the launch to play their part.
“I hope all JMBs and MCs here today will embrace this initiative and share the information with your residents.
“With strong collaboration between the state, local councils, management bodies, and the community, I am confident we can create strata housing areas that are more comfortable, cleaner, and well-organised,” he added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix courtesy of MBPP