BINTULU – The Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) recently conducted a vehicle abandonment operation at various public places in the district, which is part of its initiative to ensure a clean, safe and orderly urban environment.
These owners were previously issued warning notices prior to the enforcement action, which was on 4 March 2026. Confiscation occurred only after owners failed to respond within the required time period, authorities said.
BDA said that leaving idle vehicles in public places is a violation of By-Law 27(1), The Local Authorities (Cleanliness) By-Laws 1999. Those found guilty could be fined up to RM3,000.
Officials warned that abandoned vehicles are not only an eyesore but also a danger and a nuisance to the environment. As such, drivers are encouraged to ensure their vehicles are adequately maintained and not left for days on end.
This operation is under BDA’s broader plan to control urban management and ameliorate the life of citizens. Monitoring and enforcement will remain ongoing, with the authority promising to take additional action when necessary in order to maintain cleanliness and safety standards.
It was also a problem in many urban centres where abandoned vehicles were blocking public areas and contributing to congestion. In Bintulu, the authority had stepped up enforcement following complaints about the littering of ‘pie dow’ among residential and commercial areas.
Community leaders have welcomed the initiative, which they said is a good example of BDA’s proactive approach toward public issues. By eliminating abandoned vehicles, the authority intends to restore order in affected neighbourhoods and ensure that public spaces are kept open and aesthetically pleasing.
The confiscation drive is also part of the broader urban development goals of Sarawak that speak to sustainable growth, safety and environmental responsibility. BDA has outlined its determination to collaborate with residents to ensure a high quality of urban living.
Residents are asked to comply with ongoing monitoring efforts as well as manage their own vehicles. The authority assured that all actions through the current operations will be undertaken in a fair and transparent manner with due process being followed at every stage.
