PIAM RELEASES LATEST VEHICLE THEFT STATISTICS

Kuala Lumpur, September 11 2001 -- The latest statistics from the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) show that Proton had the highest number of cars reported stolen for the first half of this year. Theft of Proton cars accounts for about 51 per cent of the total 2,436 private cars reported stolen to insurers during this period. This means that, on average, about 7 Protons are reported stolen every day.

Just for Protons alone, insurers received reports of 1,248 stolen private cars amounting to RM54.1 million in claims. Of this, Proton Wira accounts for 45 per cent (561), Proton Perdana - 8 percent (105) and Proton Waja - 5 percent (64).

Other popular car models that are frequently reported stolen are Perodua Kancil (271), Honda Accord (36), Honda Civic (29) and Toyota Harrier (20).

Considering the fact that the Toyota Harrier is a relative newcomer on Malaysian roads, an inordinately large number has been stolen in the last six months. PIAM's Executive Director Mr. Lim Chia Fook suspects that car theft syndicates are targeting this make of vehicle.

PIAM statistics further reveal that 4-wheel drive vehicles account for 17 per cent of the stolen private cars claims. The hot favourites are Mitsubishi Pajero (55), Perodua Kembara (52), Ford Ranger (48), Ford Courier (42), Honda CRV (36) and Toyota Landcruiser (31).

Motorcycle theft claims at RM25.0 million are also high with 6,711 (or 37 per day) motorcycles reported stolen during the first six months of 2001. Top on the list is Honda 97cc (2,268), followed by Yamaha 133cc (1,038), Modenas 111cc (633), Yamaha 110cc (514), Suzuki 109cc (427), Yamaha 147cc (181) and Suzuki 147cc (136). Mr. Lim commended the police on their efforts to help curb vehicle thefts.

"Actions by the police have brought about some positive results. For instance, we have noted that for the past six months, the number of motorcycle theft claims have dropped by 7 per cent and the number of commercial vehicle theft claims have come down by 5 per cent as compared to the corresponding period last year," said Mr. Lim.

However, the number of private cars stolen increased by 7 per cent and the overall number of vehicle thefts in the country is still very high.

"Between January and June this year, insurers received a total of 9,715 vehicle theft claims amounting to RM168.6 million, the biggest component (70 per cent) is private car theft claims at RM121.4 million for the period under review," said Mr. Lim.

By locality, PIAM statistics reveal that vehicle thefts are concentrated in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor which together account for 55 per cent of the total reported vehicle thefts in the country.

According to Mr. Lim, police reports have indicated the non-installation of effective vehicle anti-theft devices as one of the reasons for the high vehicle theft rate.

"As such, the general insurance industry intends to introduce incentives such as premium discounts for policyholders who have installed PIAM-approved anti-theft devices in their vehicles," said Mr. Lim.

These vehicle anti-theft devices, which have to comply with internationally recognized standards, include immobilisers, and immobilisers coupled with vehicle tracking and recovery systems.

PIAM has invited manufacturers and sole distributors of vehicle anti-theft systems and devices to submit their products and their product certifications for the association's consideration and for possible inclusion in the industry's incentive scheme.

"We are also seeking the assistance of vehicle manufacturers to provide us with information on their factory-fitted anti-theft devices for possible inclusion in the same incentive scheme," said Mr. Lim.

PIAM is also working with SIRIM to set Malaysian standards for anti-vehicle theft devices.

"These local standards will be modelled after internationally accepted standards such as those of Thatcham's, a world renowned, UK-based motor research center, said Mr. Lim.

PIAM is the national trade association of all the licensed general insurance companies in Malaysia. Currently, PIAM has 54 member companies.

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