KUALA LUMPUR: The Toyota Hilux emerged as the most frequently stolen private car in 2022, with a staggering 204 units taken, surpassing the Proton Wira which typically holds the top spot with only 170 thefts.
Among the other popular targets for car thieves were the Perodua Kancil (113), Perodua Myvi (101), Proton Iswara (101), Honda City (97), Proton Waja (69), Honda Civic (54), Proton Saga (53) and Ford Ranger (44).
Despite the increase in thefts for certain models, Datuk Lokman Jamaan, senior director of the Road and Transport Department (JPJ) enforcement division, noted a significant 57.44% decrease in overall vehicle theft rates, from 10,226 cases in 2019 to 4,352 in 2022.
Acting chairman of the Vehicle Theft Reduction Council of Malaysia Bhd (VTREC), Lokman also highlighted a consistent downward trend in theft statistics over the past decade (2013 to 2022).
“Theft cases in Malaysia have decreased by 89% from 2013 (38,322) to 2022 (4,352) across all types of vehicles, including motorcycles, private cars, and commercial vehicles,” Lokman said.
He added, “In 2013, a vehicle was stolen every 14 minutes, compared to now, where it happens once every two hours in 2022, showcasing the positive trend as a result of collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and other stakeholders.”
Lokman emphasized that vehicle theft syndicates often aim to smuggle stolen cars out of the country, leading to losses for both the nation and individual owners, as insurance providers are forced to pay out substantial sums.
“While automakers have enhanced their anti-theft technologies, the onus is also on vehicle owners to take precautionary measures, such as not leaving their engines running unattended while refueling or making quick stops at stores,” he noted.
He stressed the importance of ongoing awareness campaigns to promote vehicle theft prevention efforts to mitigate vulnerabilities.
JPJ remains vigilant in addressing vehicle theft issues, including instances of cloned vehicles, altered vehicle identities (cut-and-join), and the use of fraudulent documents, through rigorous enforcement actions and preventive measures.
During the launch of the VTREC Nationwide Public Vehicle Theft Awareness Campaign 2024 at Sunway Velocity Mall in Cheras, Lokman urged continued public engagement in the yearlong initiative aimed at enhancing awareness and participation.
Since its establishment in 2007, VTREC has collaborated with various stakeholders to combat vehicle theft in Malaysia, with the campaign featuring token prizes for contests, quizzes, and lucky draws to encourage greater community involvement and awareness.
