The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will take strict action against vehicle repossessors who act like thugs and threaten users on the highway, following a recent viral incident involving a repossession agent on the North-South Expressway near the Pedas-Linggi Side Stop.
According to an official statement from the KPDN Enforcement Division, the agency has identified the agent involved after collaborating with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and enforcement action has been taken.
The KPDN said the ministry will revoke the EPS permit in question for violating the existing code of ethics and regulations and that each permit holder must adhere to strict guidelines, including not using force when carrying out the repossession process.
“According to data, a total of 3,869 valid EPS permit holders have been registered nationwide through the MyEPS system and they are subject to strict regulations set out in accordance with the Hire Purchase Act 1967 (Act 212),” said the KPDN.
According to the KPDN, among the conditions that must be complied with include not being allowed to enter the premises without permission or without a court order, being required to show the tenant’s identification card and related documents, giving the tenant a reasonable time to remove personal belongings, taking photographic documentation of the vehicle’s condition and listing the inventory, and being required to file a police report within 24 hours after the vehicle is towed.
“Any form of violence or intimidation during the vehicle towing process is a serious violation and can result in the permit being withdrawn and legal action being taken,” he said.
In addition, the KPDN said that between January 1, 2022 and June 25, 2025, the KPDN has conducted 762 inspections of repossession agents with four case actions recorded under Act 212 and a total of 27 complaints received during that period.
According to the KPDN, although the number of cases is not high, preventive approaches are always being intensified, including through consumer awareness campaigns to better understand their rights when dealing with car towing agents.
“We also encourage the public to channel information through the KITA GEMPUR initiative, including through channels such as WhatsApp (019-848 8000), the e-complaint portal (eaduan.kpdn.gov.my), the call centre (1-800-886-800) or the KPDN Ez ADU application,” the ministry said.
KPDN stressed that vehicle towing agents who fail to comply with permit conditions and work ethics may be subject to permit cancellation and prosecution, in accordance with the provisions of the law in force.
