Malaysia Introduces e-Dereg system to combat abandoned vehicle Issue

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has launched an Online Vehicle Deregistration System (e-Dereg) aimed at addressing the issue of abandoned and dilapidated vehicles cluttering residential areas.

This initiative by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) simplifies the process for owners wanting to deregister their worn-out vehicles online, providing a modern solution to an old problem.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke highlighted that the accumulation of neglected vehicles in residential zones has long been a challenge for local authorities and residents alike. The e-Dereg system emerges as an efficient solution to this problem, eliminating the need for vehicle owners to physically visit JPJ offices for the cumbersome deregistration process.

Anthony Loke discussed this during a press conference at Car Medic Sdn Bhd in Bandar Teknologi Kajang, noting that the e-Dereg system, developed in collaboration with E-Auto Sdn Bhd, is initially being implemented with licensed Automotive Treatment Facilities (AATF) like Car Medic. Vehicle owners are encouraged to contact Car Medic to schedule an appointment for towing their vehicle to the facility, where the e-Dereg process will be completed.

Loke added that towing fees would be covered by Car Medic, and vehicle owners might also receive a compensation token based on the vehicle's condition, model, and towing distance.

Further elaborating, Loke assured that using AATF services guarantees that the disposal process adheres to legal standards, ensuring environmentally safe and correct disposal of vehicles. This also ensures that disposed vehicles or components are not misused for criminal activities, as scrapyards or dismantlers lack a system to deregister vehicles properly.

Moreover, Loke mentioned that local authorities could also organize amnesty programs to manage abandoned vehicles within their jurisdictions using this system, although it still requires involvement from the registered original owners for vehicle cancellation.

He also called for more businesses interested in providing vehicle disposal services to apply for an AATF license from the Department of Environment (DOE), indicating that they would also have access to the e-Dereg system nationwide.

This is precisely the solution that Malaysians have been seeking for years, given the persistent issue of vehicles being abandoned by the roadside for weeks, or even months, detracting from the beauty of residential neighborhoods.

The introduction of an online system is an added advantage, allowing individuals to conveniently dispose of their vehicles without leaving their homes. Yet, the problem of cars left abandoned on the roadside, with owners seemingly out of reach, remains. It's hoped that Anthony Loke will address this ongoing concern as well.

These derelict vehicles are often left unattended and  take up valuable parking space, can become breeding grounds for pests, and if they leak fluids, can pollute the environment.

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