Malaysia’s New Gold Rush: Thieves Target Your Car’s Exhaust

Catalytic converter theft is surging across Malaysia, driven by strong demand for rare metals used in car emission systems. Police reports show most thefts occur in residential areas, public car parks, and transit hubs. Vehicles left unattended, especially overnight, are the most vulnerable. A senior manager at a car service centre explained that thieves target the catalytic converter, a component located beneath the car along the exhaust system, because it contains valuable rare metals. The parts are now worth more than gold by weight, making them a prime target for quick resale.