{
  "id": 7311483,
  "title": "Penang deploys vehicle with crane to remove abandoned cars",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/penang-deploys-vehicle-with-crane-to-remove-abandoned-cars",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T12:06:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/09/1532795/penang-deploys-vehicle-crane-remove-abandoned-cars"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "George Town, Penang Island: The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has introduced a special vehicle equipped with a crane to remove abandoned cars that conventional tow trucks cannot handle. Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran revealed that the multi-purpose loader with crane was purchased in 2022 and primarily utilized for abandoned vehicles where standard tow trucks are ineffective, such as those without tires or obstructed in a manner preventing removal by a traditional tow truck. The equipment gained attention on social media after Kristine Teoh shared her experience, prompting motorists to reconsider parking between vehicles to avoid towing. The mayor clarified that this equipment is not routinely employed for ordinary illegal parking or traffic obstruction cases. MBPP maintains dedicated enforcement vehicles for conventional towing, with the crane-equipped loader also capable of relocating heavy municipal objects like concrete barriers when necessary. On August 27, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan reported that several abandoned vehicles had been eliminated over two weeks through cooperation between her office, MBPP, and relevant agencies, with the cleanup to continue by identifying and removing abandoned vehicles on a location-by-location basis to restore public parking spaces for the community. Vehicle owners are advised against leaving unwanted vehicles in public parking spaces for extended periods.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN: A special vehicle is helping the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) remove abandoned vehicles that conventional tow trucks cannot handle.",
  "key_points": [
    "Penang Island City Council purchased crane-equipped vehicle in 2022.",
    "Used to remove abandoned cars without tires or obstructed for traditional tow trucks.",
    "Mayor clarified, not for routine illegal parking or traffic obstruction cases."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}