16/11/2025

theSunday Special XV ON SUNDAY NOV 16, 2025

What is being done about abandoned vehicles?

IF YOU use the Subang Airport Road often, you may have noticed the sheer number of abandoned cars on the shoulders of the road. Particularly when you’re heading towards Subang airport. I have been observing this for the better part of a year, and I have noticed that the cars come and go quite often. On one day there will be a rusted Proton Saga which will disappear after about a week or two, and then a few days later something else will reappear. And these are not cars that have met with an accident because they look very old and rusted – they look like they have been placed there to be someone else’s problem. This has been going on for some time, and I do not have a clue as to why it is happening, who are the cul prits, why the cars keep disappearing and why they keep reappearing. Perhaps some investigative journalist might want to take this up. But this also has me wondering, what happens to abandoned cars in Malaysia?

After this, DBKL’s procurement unit will call for tenders to handle the dis posal and finally an auction is held to sell the vehicles. I tried scouring through MBPJ’s website but could find no similar plan. Odd. Despite such a clear-cut strategy by DBKL, abandonment is still on the rise, and this is not only an eye sore, but it also takes up precious parking lots and costs municipals millions in cost. So why don’t we have a simpler plan? If a car is left in a parking lot or public area for more than three days, it will automatically be towed and if no one claims it after two months, the council then reserves the right to dis pose it in any way it sees fit. A number of laws will have to changed and if a vehicle is abandoned on a private premise such as at the parking lot of a condominium, then it just further complicates the issue. The issue of abandoned vehicles needs to be fixed and it needs to be done fast. Rather than arguing about the noses of our national monument, our parliamentarians would be better off discussing this?

cars and motorcycles are still on the rise. This despite the likes of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) having a clear-cut process of getting aban doned vehicles off our roads.

I did some research on Google and apparently this has been a hot topic for quite some time but without any clear resolution. According to some sources, there have been over 1,000 complaints

This process starts from the moment a complaint is received to a notice being issued to the owner within 14 days, instructing them to remove the car. If the owner does not respond, the vehicle is then towed to the Taman Connaught depot where the vehicle is kept for three to six months.

about abandoned cars from January to May of this year alone. That is a staggering amount by any measure. And that does not include abandoned motorcycles which are left underneath trees, shrubs, in front of shops and in housing areas. There has been a lot of talk, but little seems to have been done.

WRITTEN BY KESHY DHILLON

An attempt to find the rightful owner is then made and notices will also be issued by DBKL to relevant parties like the police, banking institu tions and insurance companies as well. If the vehicle still remains unclaimed, DBKL will then move to prepare the vehicle and paperwork to dispose the vehicle, and a list of vehi cles to be disposed is presented to the executive director of DBKL for endorsement.

However, credit is always due where it is deserved. Back in 2024, the government introduced an online portal to ease the process of de-regis tering of vehicles. This system is meant to enable owners to de-register their vehicles within five minutes provided certain criteria are met, such as the vehicle not being blacklisted or claimed by another party. Despite that though, abandoned

Car for every Malaysian All-New Proton Saga: 1.5L, CVT – 120PS with Adas features!

FOR more than four decades, the Proton Saga has been a household name in Malaysia – a true national icon that has trans ported millions since its debut in 1985. Over 2.1 million units have found homes worldwide, cementing its status as Proton’s most trusted and enduring model. Now, in 2025, the legend con tinues with the arrival of the fourth-generation Proton Saga, a model that blends new tech nology, modern design, and Malaysian values in perfect har mony. Under the bonnet, the new Saga is powered by a 1.5-litre i GT engine producing 120PS and 150Nm of torque, paired with a CVT transmission, while the lower variants continue with the 4-speed automatic (4AT) gear box. The upgrade promises a smoother, more refined driving experience without compromis ing on efficiency. Visually, the 2025 Saga embraces a completely refreshed design. It now sports a sculpted hood, a new front grille featuring Proton’s “Sulaman Songket” pattern, full LED projector headlamps with DRLs, and a sleek LED tail light bar reminis cent of the Proton X50. Completing the look are new 15-inch alloy wheels, available in

both two-tone and single-tone finishes. Safety sees a major leap for ward. The new Saga now comes equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (Adas), six airbags, and structural rein forcements, including a cross member front seat support and centre pillar reinforcements. Key safety features include Front Collision Warning, Front Departure Alert, Intelligent High Beam Control, and Lane Departure Warning. In fact, the 2025 Proton Saga has made history as Malaysia’s first A-segment car to receive Asean NCAP recognition for successfully passing the AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) Motorcyclist Test. Additional safety assists include Door Opening Warning,

Saga impressed with its improved refinement, sharper handling, and greater stability through corners. It feels more mature, confi dent, and sophisticated – clearly a major upgrade from its prede cessor. Pricing details will be revealed soon, but one thing is certain – the 2025 Proton Saga continues the proud legacy of being the car for every Malaysian, now with the tech nology and design to match modern expectations.

Connectivity is also top notch, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered as standard. Design details reflect Proton’s local touch, with a flat-bottom electric power steering wheel for a sportier feel, “Congkak”- inspired air vents, and wave motifs inspired by Malaysian beaches. Two new colours join the range – Deep Marine Blue and Space Grey – further enhancing its appeal. During a short drive, the new

Rear Collision Warning, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. On the inside, the cabin takes a big step up in comfort and style. It features a 16-inch inte grated dual screen setup – com bining a 9-inch infotainment display with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster.