Loke: Permanent SPAD workers need not worry

Job description: A SPAD officer recording the particulars of a car. The new Transport Minister gave his assurance that all SPAD operations will run as normal.

PETALING JAYA: All permanent staff members with the Land Public Transport Com­mission (SPAD) need not worry about their jobs, says Anthony Loke.

“I give my assurance that no permanent SPAD staff members will lose their jobs. All operations will run as normal,” the Transport Minister said in a statement.

He added that the only difference was they would be placed directly under his ministry.

Over the past week, Loke has carried out working visits to the Road Transport Depart­ment and Road Safety Department (JKJR) to hold discussions and exchange ideas on new methods to be adopted.

“Among one of the measures is the implementation of the e-bidding system for car number plates.

“This move will ensure a more transparent bidding process,” he said while pointing out that the current exercise was operated under a manual tender.

Loke said the new approach would make things easier for users all over the country.

“There will also be no more special vehicle registration numbers to non-governmental organisations or welfare bodies.”

On road safety, Loke said JKJR would launch new programmes to reduce the alarming number of fatalities, especially involving youths.

“This time, we will engage youths so that they can contribute ideas on road safety and advocacy programmes. I would also like to get public feedback regarding the age limit to obtain a driving licence,” he said.

Loke said statistics showed that those aged between 16 and 20 recorded the highest fatali­ty rate compared to other age groups.