Catalytic Converter Theft Is On The Rise In Malaysia

Anis

21 June 2023 at 12:30 PM

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A recent wave of cat converter thieves' arrests started with a report made by a Toyota Estima owner on June 12.

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise in Malaysia. But why are thieves targeting them?
Well, let's start by defining a catalytic converter. The car's emissions control system includes the catalytic converter. Prior to being released from the car through the exhaust pipe, it purifies the exhaust gases.

The gases react with its internal components, converting them into less dangerous gases and water vapour. Since 1993, it has been mandatory for all vehicles sold in Europe to have catalytic converters installed.

Two men involved in numerous thefts of catalytic converters from Toyota cars in the Klang Valley have just been detained by police.

Why are catalytic converters targeted out of all the pricey components on cars?

Because a catalytic converter contains expensive metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium, it is highly prized by scrap metal thieves. As required by international emission regulations, catalytic converters are used to filter out dangerous exhaust gases produced by the engine.

A quick search on e-commerce sites shows a used catalytic converter for a car goes for more than RM1000 in Malaysia.

However, the precious metals found inside a catalytic converter were quickly discovered by scrap thieves and drug addicts looking to make a quick buck. Due to the higher standards of clean emissions produced by hybrid cars, the likelihood of having your vehicle stolen is doubled if you drive one.
Typically, the car is hoisted up with a car jack by the thief, who then uses a saw or blowtorch to remove it. Installing an anti-theft device that locks your catalytic converter in place is a good way to deter theft. Additionally, purchasing a vibration-activated vehicle alarm or another anti-theft vehicle system would discourage anyone from trying to tamper with your car.
According to Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, a recent wave of cat converter thieves' arrests started with a report made by a Toyota Estima owner on June 12. The owner claims that after parking the MPV at the MRT Serdang lot in the morning, he went back to it at night and discovered that the catalytic converter was missing.

The police then detained their first suspect on June 18 in PJ's Tropicana Gardens Mall, and the first suspect, a 34-year-old Malaysian aided them in detaining their second suspect, a 43-year-old Malaysian in KL. Police also discovered 46 catalytic converters worth a total of RM35,000 in addition to the equipment needed to commit the thefts, such as saws and jacks.

The first suspect works as an assistant at an auto parts store in Subang, and the second works as a collection agent for exhaust parts in KL. The two only target Toyota vehicles when stealing catalytic converters, and they prefer to target cars parked in unattended LRT/MRT parking lots. The products are taken by the first suspect, who then gives them to the second suspect, who then sells the products to foreign buyers who are looking for the platinum, palladium, and rhodium used in catalytic converters.

Hussein claims that the first suspect has been stealing catalytic converters since the beginning of June because there is a global market for the goods. According to the authorities, each catalytic converter is worth between RM500 and RM2,500. With these arrests, the police assert that they have put an end to 15 theft cases in the Klang Valley involving catalytic converters. The two suspects will be charged with violating Penal Code Section 379A(1), and if found guilty, they face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, a fine, or both.

Despite an increase in cases, it's important to be aware of the warning signs that your catalytic converter has been stolen. A loud roar when you start the car is one of the main indicators. As you accelerate, the noise increases. Due to a lack of exhaust regulation, you may also notice an increase in exhaust fumes or strange exhaust smells, as well as uneven or sputtering acceleration.