Imagine going on a road trip to one of your favourite, affordable holiday destinations, but safety concerns for your vehicle make it difficult for you to immerse yourself in the experience fully.
Malaysia is a popular holiday destination for Singaporeans but unfortunately, this also makes it a popular spot for car thieves.
Not to worry though. We’ll tell you how you can wise up and have a worry-free vacation.
Malaysia is a beautiful country that offers visitors many tourist attractions and experiences. For Singaporeans, several benefits make Malaysia the ideal holiday destination:
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The fact that Singapore and Malaysia have very different economic climates does play a role in why Singaporean tourists may be targeted when travelling to Malaysia by car.
Singapore and Malaysia exhibit significant economic differences. Singapore boasts a much higher GDP per capita than Malaysia, with Singapore's GDP per capita being more than 50% higher than Malaysia's. This means that the average tourist or holidaygoer from Singapore will likely be more affluent, driving newer, more expensive cars that car thieves find particularly attractive.
Levelling up on vehicle tracking and recovery technology can help keep your family and car safe while on holiday by giving you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your stay.
As car theft is not a new invention, methods and techniques have evolved over time. Here are some of the most popular car theft techniques.
Hotwiring is like jumpstarting your car with wires instead of a key. It’s a popular method criminals use to steal cars, but it’s not as effective on all makes and models. For example, older cars are easier targets, while newer models tend to have theft stoppers that prevent hotwiring, making it a no-go for car thieves. On top of that, messing with a car’s wires can be dangerous, so it’s not really one of the most popular ways to steal cars anymore.
Carjacking is a terrifying theft where criminals steal your car while you're in it, often using threats or violence. They target anyone from lone drivers to families, striking in quiet areas like driveways or even busy spots like shopping centres. They might use sneaky tricks like pretending to be cops or forcing you to stop with fake obstacles. This is a serious crime that can leave victims physically hurt and emotionally scarred. Unlike stealing an empty car, carjacking is a violent confrontation, making it a major safety concern.
Car theft in Malaysia has evolved beyond traditional methods like hotwiring. Thieves also use fraudulent tactics like sub-leasing scams and title fraud to steal cars.
Vehicle sub-leasing scams: These scams involve car thieves attempting to exploit sub-leasing agreement loopholes and getting their hands on profits that should’ve gone to the lessor. While the criminal is not physically stealing the vehicle, they profit from it by exploiting the agreement.
Title fraud: may not be the most likely way a tourist’s car would be targeted in Malaysia, but it remains a concerning way criminals gain control of other people’s vehicles in the country. Title fraud involves practices like “washing,” which refers to forging documents or concealing a vehicle’s history, allowing them to rent or sell stolen cars undetected.
These are examples of more complex car theft schemes that keep on challenging Malaysian law enforcement and, although holidaygoers are less likely to experience this type of vehicle theft, being aware of all possibilities is crucial.
Key cloning enables thieves to steal your car without causing any visible damage. Creating a duplicate of the original car key, it’s as simple as getting in and switching on the ignition, making getting unauthorised access a breeze.
Key cloning is more popular among specific vehicle makes and models, and these makes include some Toyota models like the Corolla as well as Isuzu pickup trucks.
To combat this growing threat, enhanced security measures are crucial. Car owners should consider additional security systems and remain vigilant to safeguard their vehicles.
When it comes to car theft, thieves use fraudulent, technologically advanced and older, tried-and-trusted methods to steal cars. While their method may depend on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, being aware of the most popular car-theft tactics along with Cartrack’s advanced stolen vehicle recovery services helps keep you one step ahead.
While state-of-the-art anti-theft and vehicle recovery tech is the way to go, there are some older, tried and trusted ways you can help prevent car theft while holidaying in Malaysia.
An immobiliser prevents a car from starting without the correct key or key fob, which is a viable way to stop vehicle thieves in their tracks or deter them from making any further attempts to steal your car. In Malaysia, immobilisers are highly recommended as an effective protective layer to prevent car theft, and using one can potentially lead to insurance premium discounts.
In Malaysia, a steering wheel lock offers a practical and cost-effective way to physically deter potential thieves. These devices typically have a bar that attaches to the steering wheel and extends to the doorframe or floor. This makes wheel rotation impossible, making the vehicle unusable and unattractive to car thieves. While this is not a foolproof theft prevention measure, steering wheel locks significantly increase the time and effort required to steal a car.
However, when combined with technological solutions like a car alarm or a tracker, it can add a physical barrier that can become an invaluable layer of protection.
In the fight against car theft, GPS trackers offer a valuable tool for Malaysian businesses and individuals. These devices usually provide real-time location information, allowing owners to monitor their car’s location and detect suspicious movement.
With the power of real-time monitoring and advanced security features, GPS tracking technology is an advanced and trusted way to deter thieves and keep your car safe in Malaysia.
While this may not be as obvious or something you’d think of every time you get into or out of your car, locking windows and car doors is a crucial step in preventing car theft, and it’s important to remember this when you’re taking a vacation in a country with a higher vehicle theft rate. By securing all the car’s entry points, you’re deterring potential thieves and making unauthorised access much more difficult.
Strategic parking practices can significantly deter criminals. Prioritise well-lit, busy areas with high visibility, avoiding secluded spots known for past thefts. For added security, turn your wheels towards the curb, particularly with rear-wheel drive vehicles, to hinder towing attempts. Remember, valuables are best kept out of sight and secured in the trunk. Consider using steering wheel locks and never leave spare keys inside the car. These combined measures can significantly reduce the risk of car theft in Malaysia.
Make no mistake: While some of these options are not examples of the latest tech, they remain smart ways of providing a layer of deterrence that will make car thieves think twice before potentially ruining your vacation.
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Whether it’s across the border or across the Atlantic, it’s beneficial to familiarise yourself with the socio-economic environment of the country you’re travelling to. In Malaysia, car theft is a very real risk for holiday-goers. Here are some helpful statistics to help you familiarise yourself with car theft-related conditions and targeted makes and models.
Here are some statistics on car theft in Malaysia since 2020:
While motorbikes are a popular target for vehicle theft, personal cars do not trail far behind and remains a very real concern for anyone travelling to Malaysia by car.
Apart from car theft being prevalent in Malaysia, there are also statistics indicating car theft hotspots. The following rankings are based on numbers recorded from 2013 to 2016 that clearly show locations with increased car theft activity:
These hotspots show just how crucial it is for you to be aware of high-risk locations and to ensure you have advanced vehicle protection and recovery services working with you.
Make vehicle theft one less worry when you go on holiday: contact Cartrack today for complete peace of mind.
Still have questions? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to enhance vehicle security so you can focus on making memories
Planning a trip to Malaysia? Discover tips to safeguard your car from theft in this essential guide for Singaporean travelers.
