LOCAL authorities (PBT) have no specific legal provision to take action against abandoned vehicles parked within privately owned strata areas.
This was clarified by Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu, who explained that the jurisdiction of local authorities is limited unless a formal request or cooperation is initiated by the building management body.
Matters Governed by Strata Management Legislation
She said that for strata residential areas that have established a Joint Management Body (JMB) or Management Corporation (MC), all related matters fall entirely under the Strata Management Act 2013 (Act 757) and the Strata Management (Maintenance and Management) Regulations 2015.
“Once a JMB or MC is lawfully established, that body has full legal authority and responsibility to administer and regulate common property — including the issue of abandoned vehicles in parking areas and shared access routes,” she said.
She made these remarks while responding to an oral question from Shah Alam Member of Parliament Azli Yusof, who raised the question of whether the government intended to introduce new by-laws or regulations to empower local authorities to act against abandoned vehicle problems in strata areas.
Government Approach: Cooperation and Measured Enforcement
Aiman Athirah explained that the government’s existing approach emphasises the principles of accountability, measured enforcement, and close cooperation between local authorities, JMBs, MCs, and relevant technical agencies.
This approach is aimed at ensuring that any solution developed is practical and does not create an overlap of authority between enforcement bodies and strata management.
At the same time, the Ministry is also conducting a comprehensive review of the Abandoned Vehicle Management Guidelines issued in 2020.
Proposed Improvements Currently Under Review
Among the strategic measures currently being considered:
1. Application of Section 65 of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333)
This provision is being proposed as an additional instrument to enable vehicle disposal without the need to go through lengthy court proceedings.
2. Amendments to Act 333
Specific proposed amendments aim to extend enforcement powers to all categories of local authorities and to clarify the scope of areas in which action can be taken.
3. Voluntary Disposal Mechanism Through e-Dereg
The e-Dereg system developed by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will be established as an alternative channel for vehicle owners to dispose of old vehicles more quickly and in a more user-friendly manner.
An Issue That Requires a Collective Response
Abandoned vehicle problems in strata areas are a frequent source of resident complaints, affecting parking availability and overall safety within developments.
However, under the existing legal structure, primary responsibility sits with the JMB or MC administration. Cooperation between residents, building management, and local authorities therefore remains the key to addressing the issue effectively.
The ongoing guideline review and proposed legislative amendments are expected to streamline the enforcement process going forward — without undermining the jurisdiction of the respective parties involved.
Source: New Straits Times
