Eyesore of Abandoned Vehicles Occupying Parking Spaces

Photo: Sinar Ahad. The issue of abandoned cars has plagued residents in Shah Alam and Klang for far too long. According to Sinar Harian, at least ten such vehicles were discovered in various apartment buildings and residential schemes, left to rust and decay, becoming eyesores for the community.

Abandoned cars parked in front of homes and along the curbs in communities not only take up valuable parking spaces but also harm the environment. They become covered in dry leaves and overgrown grass, and serve as a breeding ground for disease-carrying pests such as rats and insects.

While some may be unaware, vehicles left unclaimed are often not disposed of as scrap. There is a demand for such vehicles among used car buyers who either repair and resell them or disassemble them for spare parts.

Photo: Sinar Ahad.

This was confirmed by Mohd Haziq Farhan Jefrizai, a 30-year-old used vehicle buyer, who indicated that his targets are typically older models like the Proton Iswara, Wira, Satria, and Perodua Kancil. These models generally hold a market value below RM10,000.

"I usually look for abandoned old cars, with flat tyres (or) overgrown with grass around Shah Alam and Klang. Then I leave a card so the owners can contact me. From there, they'll call me and we begin negotiating the price," he said.

He said the price offered depends on the condition of the car.

"Generally, we buy them at the lowest price. Instead of letting them sit at home or take up parking space, it's better to sell them.

"We're the ones who determine the price. For example, if a car is worth less than RM10,000 on the market, we'll usually buy it for around RM800 to RM1,500. Last year, I bought two flood-damaged Proton Waja cars in Taman Sri Muda for RM800 each, including towing costs," he said.

To avoid future problems, Mohd Haziq advised that used car buyers should confirm that all ownership documentation is in order before completing their purchase. He added that as long as the grant is valid, the owner can get a reasonable price for their used car, even if it has been in a flood, provided that the interior is still in good condition and free from any cracks or other damage.