Transport Minister Announces End of Puspakom’s Monopoly on Vehicle Inspections
Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook has announced that more than 10 companies have applied to conduct vehicle inspections nationwide, marking the end of Puspakom’s three-decade long monopoly on the service.
Opening Up the Market
Loke made the announcement at a press conference, stating that the ministry is reviewing the applications and hopes to introduce new operators by the end of the year. The exact number of companies that will be granted licenses will be announced later.
The new operators will need time to build their facilities, but this will provide motorists with more options for vehicle inspections, the minister said.
End of Puspakom’s Concession
In March 2023, Loke announced that the Cabinet had decided to open up vehicle inspection services to qualified parties once Puspakom’s concession ended on August 31, 2024. Puspakom is Malaysia’s first and only comprehensive national vehicle inspection company, appointed in 1994 by the government to undertake all mandatory inspections for both commercial and private vehicles.
Probes and Investigations
Loke also revealed that three Puspakom officers are being probed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for allegedly approving unsafe vehicles during inspections. "If more individuals are implicated, they will also be called in," he said.
Yesterday, it was reported that the road transport department (JPJ) had recorded statements from staff members at the Wangsa Maju Puspakom branch in Kuala Lumpur who were believed to have approved unsafe vehicles.
Renting of Car Accessories to Bypass Inspections
Loke also highlighted ongoing investigations into syndicates that rent car accessories such as tinted glass or spare parts to vehicle owners to help them temporarily pass inspections. "Some of these accessories are rented for just half a day. These syndicates undermine road safety," he said.
Loke also acknowledged that current laws make enforcement challenging, as renting accessories is not illegal. "We are considering amendments to address this loophole," he said.
Conclusion
The move to open up the vehicle inspection market is expected to provide more options for motorists and improve the overall quality of the service. With the end of Puspakom’s monopoly, it is hoped that competition will drive innovation and better services for the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many companies have applied to conduct vehicle inspections?
A: More than 10 companies have applied.
Q: When will the new operators be introduced?
A: The ministry hopes to introduce new operators by the end of the year.
Q: What is the current status of Puspakom’s concession?
A: Puspakom’s concession ended on August 31, 2024.
Q: What is the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigating?
A: The MACC is investigating three Puspakom officers for allegedly approving unsafe vehicles during inspections.