Thieves in Malaysia are increasingly targeting catalytic converters due to the high demand for rare metals contained within these automotive components. The thefts are reported in residential and public areas, making unattended vehicles particularly vulnerable.

Catalytic converter theft is rising across Malaysia amid strong demand for rare metals used in automotive emission systems. Most of these thefts were reported to have occurred in residential areas, public car parks and transit hubs. Vehicles left unattended, especially overnight, are among the most vulnerable. A senior manager at a car service centre said thieves were targeting catalytic converters, which are components beneath the car along the exhaust system, because they contain rare,...