VEHICLE numbers that climb by the year are resulting in a new problem: cars being abandoned at residential areas and public parking lots. Not just eyesores, these deserted vehicles present pollution and safety risks to local communities.
But beyond their rusty exteriors, abandoned vehicles contain valuable components like metal, glass and plastic that can be recycled. If managed properly and smartly, these waste materials could become a new economic resource that may contribute to environmental sustainability.
Recognising this potential and risk, the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) introduced the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) procedure in 2021. This policy ensures all abandoned vehicles are disposed of in a legal, systematic, and environmentally friendly manner.
Under the ELV, repossessed vehicles are handed over to licensed companies and approved by the Environment Department (DOE) to be broken down and recycled. This approach ensures no secondary pollution occurs during disposal.
Among the success stories under the ELV is Car Medic Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s first licensed car treatment centre that was set up in Kajang Technology City in 2020. Efforts like these prove that automotive waste can be converted into valuable resources for urban and environmental sustainability.
Photographer AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN visited the facility in Kajang Technology City to observe the conversion of abandoned vehicles into environmentally friendly, sustainable “gold”, and to learn about Car Medic’s success in fulfilling the ELV’s aspirations.
