19/06/2025

THURSDAY | JUNE 19, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Abandoned vehicles bane of councils PETALING JAYA: The issue of abandoned vehicles continues to affect public spaces despite enforcement policies and disposal programmes by local councils. Experts warn that the presence of more than 2,000 abandoned o Apart from encouraging dumping and vandalism, obstruction also hinders movement of emergency vehicles during critical situations Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com enough power to quickly tow or auction such vehicles. She stressed that a proper tracking or deregistration system would ease the burden on communities, particularly in high-density areas, and simplify the process for residents. materials, heightening fire risks in already cramped neighbourhoods.” He said addressing the issue demands a multi-pronged approach, blending better enforcement with community engagement. He proposed that Malaysia adopt international best practices, such as Singapore’s seven-day removal notice or Japan’s strict parking verification rules.

“Many low and lower-middle income residents leave old cars idle because repairs cost more than the resale value. Without strong penalties or enforcement, financial hardship often prevents them from disposing these vehicles,” she said. Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said the problem is especially serious in densely populated areas, where abandoned cars pose safety, health and environmental risks. “These vehicles often block emergency routes, delaying fire engines, ambulances or police in critical situations,” he said. “They frequently become dumping sites, attract pests and in some cases harbour illicit activities. Some even contain flammable

“Community engagement tools, such as WhatsApp hotlines and online reporting systems, are also crucial for the public to flag abandoned vehicles.” Siti Ayu said such vehicles distort parking occupancy data, leading to flawed urban planning decisions and misdirected parking policies. “This misrepresentation undermines public transport strategies and low-carbon goals, especially in cities aiming to reduce private car use and promote shared mobility. “It also exposes enforcement gaps, weak coordination with the department and the lack of efficient deregistration processes,” she said, adding that the Road Transport Act 1987 does not give councils

persists, it could strain public amenities, encourage illegal dumping and vandalism, compromise community safety and degrade property values. “Local councils are also burdened with the high cost of identifying, tagging, towing and disposing of these vehicles. Such resources could be better allocated elsewhere.” She cited the 2022 Voluntary Disposal Scheme by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council, in collaboration with the Road Transport Department (RTD), which successfully removed 50 vehicles by cancelling their registrations. “The scheme offers buy-back or scrappage incentives to encourage owners to surrender unused vehicles. It is worth replicating nationwide.

Ministry promotes beach cleanup campaign KOTA KINABALU: The “Kudah” (collecting rubbish while engaging in recreational activities) campaign, introduced to raise awareness among local communities on the importance of preserving beach cleanliness and beauty, should be held at least twice a month, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry deputy secretary-general (Environmental Sustainability) Datuk Nor Yahati Awang. He said the initiative aligns with the ministry’s key performance indicators, which call for activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and a sense of responsibility towards the environment, Bernama reported. “This programme’s objective is to raise public awareness on environmental pollution, particularly marine pollution caused by plastics, while also providing students with the chance to take meaningful action. “This aligns with the ministry’s policy, especially the National Marine Litter Policy and Action Plan 2021-2030, which aims to address marine litter in a holistic manner nationwide by 2030.” She was speaking while officiating at the Ocean Celebration event organised by the Universiti Malaysia Sabah Borneo Marine Research Institute here on Tuesday. Nor Yahati stressed that in efforts to preserve nature, addressing the growing threat of marine litter and microplastics is crucial. “Each year, millions of tonnes of plastic waste end up in our oceans, posing a serious threat to marine life and disrupting fragile ecosystems. This pollution not only tarnishes our beaches and waters, but also endangers the health and survival of marine animals,” she said. “We must recognise that our actions on land are deeply connected to the health of our oceans.” She said the Federal Territories Department has been instructed to work with RTD to review legal loopholes hampering action on abandoned vehicles in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Other measures include creating a national database of abandoned vehicles, introducing harsher penalties for repeat offenders and rolling out incentive programmes for proper disposal. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said more than 2,500 complaints about abandoned vehicles are lodged each year in Kuala Lumpur.

cars annually is hindering the effectiveness of public housing areas, from urban planning and transport economics perspectives. Universiti Teknologi Mara Institute of Transport (Legal Services and Quality) head Dr Siti Ayu Jalil said such vehicles represent a misuse of public land, often obstructing emergency access, school bus routes and waste collection services. “Although local councils have regulatory frameworks under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 and national guidelines to manage abandoned vehicles, we need more proactive public involvement.” She warned that if the problem Corporations to develop aerospace talent SHAH ALAM: Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI Selangor) and the National Aerospace Industry Corporation of Malaysia (Naico) have reaffirmed their commitment to building talent in the aerospace industry through the Selangor Aero Park (SAP) at KL International Airport (KLIA) Aeropolis. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the collaboration was formalised on Tuesday at the International Paris Air Show (Ipas), taking place from June 16 to 22 at Le Bourget Airport in France. He said the development of SAP was carried out jointly by the Selangor government and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. “It aspires to draw high-value investments in maintenance, repair and overhaul, aerospace manufacturing, logistics and aviation technology. “Our vision for SAP is to place human capital at the core of our participants from over 30 countries are expected to take part in an international conference held in conjunction with the International Muslim Youth Summit Kelantan (I-MYSK): Echo of Palestine – Voice of the Voiceless, scheduled for June 20 to 21. State Youth, Sports, NGO and Community Unity Committee chairman Zamakhshari Muhammad said the conference would see participation from countries such as Palestine, Turkiye, Pakistan, Egypt, the United Kingdom, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, South Africa and the Philippines, along with more than 50 NGOs.

Amirudin said the initiative marks a step towards positioning Selangor as the regional aerospace capital. – BERNAMAPIC

speeches by NGO activists and a joint reading of the “Kelantan Declaration for Palestine” by youth representatives, symbolising their solidarity with the Palestinian cause. “The main components, namely the inauguration of national identity, the global discourse conference and this mass gathering, would reflect how the Penghayatan Membangun Bersama Islam policy could make Kelantan a platform for Muslim voices on global issues,” he said. On a separate matter, he said renovation works at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium would be completed before August, allowing Malaysia League matches to resume at the venue. – Bernama Helicopters, GE Aviation and Spirit AeroSystems. “(It also features) world-class research, industry-academic collaboration and streamlined investment processes at the federal, state and local levels,” he said. He was quoted as saying SAP would be launched at Ipas, which also featured the signing of letters of intent between MBI Selangor and Naico.

struggle through a strategic, inclusive and effective approach,” he told reporters at the Darulnaim City Complex here on Tuesday. Zamakhshari said the programme would also feature a key highlight, namely the 10,000 “Untukmu Palestin” gathering, which will be held on Saturday at 9pm at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium. “This gathering is open to the public and aims to bring together over 10,000 Malaysians in support of peace and in protest against the oppression of the Palestinian people,” he said. Among the highlights of the gathering are a performance by renowned nasyid group In-Team, Situated within KLIA Aeropolis, Malaysia’s main airport city covering 100sq km, SAP offers vast potential for growth in aviation, logistics and high-tech industries, Bernama reported. Amirudin said SAP was designed to boost investor confidence with a comprehensive ecosystem and market connectivity, supported by the presence of major global aerospace players, including Airbus

conference would serve as a key platform for strategic discourse and advocacy by Muslim youth on the Palestinian issue, covering aspects such as global politics, human rights and the challenges posed by digital-era propaganda. “Among the international panelists who will share their views are Islam Dusunce Enstitusu in Ankara corporate communications expert Ahmet Hakan Kesimoglu and Ankara University Islamic History Department head Dr Khalid El-Awaisi. “I-MYSK will produce concrete resolutions and fresh practical ideas to support the Palestinian people’s growth strategy, with initiatives focused on training, research and future skills development.” He said the initiative marks another bold step towards positioning Selangor as the regional aerospace capital. “Selangor is not only investing in infrastructure but also in young talents who will drive future innovation in Malaysia’s aerospace industry,” he said.

Muslim youth summit to hold global discourse on Palestine KOTA BHARU: Some 150 He said the