Stop numbers business, concerned groups tell JPJ

PETALING JAYA: Consumer associations have called for a task force to be formed to curb the growing trend of car registration numbers being turned into a big-money business outside Road Transport Dep­artment (JPJ) offices.

Fomca deputy president Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said the problem came about when certain quarters turned the bidding into a business.

“Although the system works for the highest bidder, most times, these numbers have already been pre-booked by agents and runners. This is unfair to those who really want the number and would like to buy it from JPJ directly.”

“It’s understandable to have an agent or a runner if the number requested is an old number dating months or years back. But to apply this practice for new registration numbers is unfair and unnecessary,” he said.

The JPJ, he said, should seriously look into this matter immediately.

President of The Consumers’ Association of Subang and Shah Alam (Selangor) Jacob George said a task force made up of independent members was necessary.

“Years ago, the selling of numbers like this was done in secret. Now, it is openly done,” he claimed.

“Even major vehicle companies would ask you openly if you would like to buy a ‘special number’.”

Consumers Association Penang (CAP) however feels that there is no need for a task force as it was JPJ’s job to manage the matter.

Its president S.M. Mohamed Idris said JPJ should not even be selling number plates in the first place.

He said people should not be spending their money on something as trivial as number plates.

“Times are bad. If you have a lot of money, why not do something good like feed the poor?” he asked.