ELV POLICY IMPLEMENTATION AS A SOLUTION TO ABANDONED VEHICLES PROBLEMS FACED BY LOCAL AUTHORITY IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

End of Life Vehicle (ELV) is a vehicle that has reached the end of it service life due to the age or condition of the vehicle itself that is no longer roadworthy. Several countries namely EU countries, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea have their own law and policy being implemented to deal with the disposal of ELV through recycling system management which includes the process to de-register, dismantling, depollution and recycling. However, since Malaysia do not implement such policy, the old and unused vehicles are just being abandoned by the roadsides and also housing area. Eventually, it will become a nuisance and eye sore to the public as well as impacting the environment and quality of life. The objective of this study is to examine the legislations and procedures adopted by the local authorities in dealing with these abandoned vehicles, to identify the challenges and to find solution in solving this abandoned vehicles issues. This research employed a qualitative methodology by analysing available legislations, conducting interviews with the enforcement officers from the selected local authorities. References to other jurisdictions were also made to learn a lessons from their practices. At the end of the research, it was found out that the current procedures being enforced through the limited powers given under existing provisions are unable to solve the increasing number of abandoned vehicles. Therefore, this research proposed law and policy to regulate End-of-Life Vehicles and amending the Street and Drainage Building Act 1974 to give absolute power to Local Authority to deregister the abandoned vehicles.