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'Total loss' commercial vehicles being reused, says RTD

KUALA LUMPUR: The Road Transport Department (RTD) is closely examining the issue of total loss vehicles, following Bank Negara Malaysia's (BNM) directives to insurance companies.

In an interview with Mingguan Malaysia, Road Transport Department (RTD) director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, highlighted the need for stricter compliance with auction standards for vehicles categorised as Beyond Economic Repair (BER) and Approved Treatment Facilities (ATF).

"Compliance requires further scrutiny to prevent the resale of vehicles deemed unfit for the road but still in circulation.

"It is disheartening that commercial vehicles declared as total loss by insurance companies are being reused," he said, adding that the issue remains a significant burden given the large number of such vehicles on the road.

While there are no legal provisions as of now, Aedy said the department is in talks with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) on the issue.

On RTD's integrity, Aedy admitted there is room for improvement among senior officers and enforcement staff.

"I cannot say that the integrity level is satisfactory or commendable, but I believe there is still room for improvement," he said.

He acknowledged reports of corruption involving RTD officers in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) records but stressed that such cases are not overly severe.

"I am confident RTD officers are performing their duties with full integrity," he said.

Nevertheless, Aedly emphasised a zero-tolerance approach towards integrity violations.

"There will be no compromise on any violations, including corruption or abuse of power. I will not offer a second chance and will take appropriate action in accordance with laws and civil service regulations," he said.

Regarding such actions taken against errant officers, Aedy revealed that only 18 cases have been recorded in MACC reports since 2016, most of which have been resolved.

"There are only four new cases under MACC that we recently received at the end of last year. We are currently investigating these to determine the necessary action, whether disciplinary measures or other penalties," he added.

Aedy urged all department members to uphold integrity and called for collective efforts to ensure the RTD operates with transparency and accountability.

"To ensure the cultivation of integrity is comprehensive and effective, I need the cooperation and support of all members to perform their duties with integrity," he said.

In October 2024, a message circulated on Telegram by an individual who claimed that one of his relatives had spotted his old car, which had been written off as a total loss vehicle, back on the road.

The individual also claimed that when he checked using the MyJPJ application, he found that the vehicle's road tax was still active although the vehicle was declared a total loss 12 years ago.

Aedy responded by saying that he was aware of the case and advised the individual to come forward immediately.

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