From 40,000 to 4,000: Massive drop in vehicle thefts over 10 years

New Straits Times

29-04-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Vehicle thefts have dropped by 90 per cent over the past decade — from nearly 40,000 cases to around 4,000.
Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTAREC) chairman Datuk Lokman Jamaan said data from the insurance industry showed only 4,000 cases were reported last year, a significant decline from the 38,000 cases recorded in 2013.
He said in the past, a vehicle was stolen every 15 minutes — but today, it happens only once every two hours, reflecting a significant improvement in prevention efforts.
Lokman said the success of the council and its stakeholders in reducing vehicle theft has earned them a new mandate — to help reduce road accidents.
"We are pleased to share that VTREC has now been entrusted with another important role — to assist in reducing the rate of road traffic accidents in Malaysia.
"In line with this, the name Vehicle Theft Reduction Council of Malaysia (VTREC) was officially changed in the second week of April 2025 to Vehicle Theft and Accident Reduction," he said, during VTREC's 2025 Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration and Media Appreciation Ceremony.
Lokman also shared hopes that VTAREC, which turns 18 tomorrow (April 30), would continue to achieve greater success for the well-being of all Malaysians.
VTAREC also took the opportunity to honour members of the media at the event.
Lokman said the Anugerah Menyantuni Rakan Media is the first appreciation event organised by VTAREC to honour media practitioners who have played a significant role in promoting awareness about the importance of vehicle protection.
Media Prima deputy group managing editor for News & Current Affairs and New Straits Times group editor Farrah Naz Karim was among those recognised at the event.
Also honoured was New Straits Times deputy group editor Sharanjit Singh Tara Singh.
Both awards were received on their behalf by Business Times news editor Sharenjeet Kaur Saran Singh.
Other recipients included NST specialist writer Aliza Shah, journalist Iylia Marsya Iskandar, and Harian Metro journalist Mohd Haris Fadli Mohd Fadzil.
Lokman said amid today's challenges, the most important and fundamental priority is to continue building, maintaining, and nurturing a strong partnership between VTAREC and the media.
"I believe that through a symbiotic relationship between VTAREC and the media, we can develop more efficient communication teams in handling information.
"With a strong relationship in place, VTAREC can provide accurate and clear explanations through the mass media so the public can better understand issues related to vehicle theft and road traffic accidents in our country," he said.