Loke: E-testing pilot project for learner drivers to be introduced in Johor

PETALING JAYA: An e-testing pilot project for learner drivers to obtain their driving licence will soon be introduced in Johor, said Anthony Loke (pic).

The Transport Minister said it could start in "one or two months" time.

"There will be no examiner sitting next to learner drivers. We will use an automated process, with the circuit equipped with CCTVs and cables," he said.

Loke was a guest at Chinese language radio station 988 FM's "Morning Up" programme hosted by deejays Chan Fong, Denise Chua and Jason Poon on Tuesday morning (July 3).

In May, the Minister said an automated process for driving test, which minimises human intervention, could be in place from as early as next year.

This was to prevent "Kopi O" licences and "guaranteed pass" packages, which were an open secret among Malaysians sitting for driving tests.

With e-testing, the examiner would be evaluating the learner drivers' skills from a control room via multiple cameras on the circuit.

During the hour-long interview on 988, Loke said his ministry was aware that the "guaranteed pass" packages for driving license tests were still being offered.

"Some openly advertise these packages on Facebook, promising their customers that they could obtain a license without having to sit for the test.

"But we are determine to change this kind of culture," he said.

Futhermore, Loke answered questions from 988 listeners on topics ranging from road safety to public transportation, including e-hailing services.

When approached after the interview, Loke refused to comment on the distribution of ministerial posts among the Pakatan Harapan component parties.

DAP Socialist Youth chairman Wong Kah Woh had said in a statement Monday (July 2) that the Prime Minister's choice of ministerial candidates was "unreasonable" and showed "disrespect for Pakatan component parties".

Wong said the decision showed no regard for the proposals made by the leadership of the parties.

Loke also declined to comment when asked if Johor DAP chief Liew Chin Tong would be appointed senator.

Liew had failed to snatch the Ayer Hitam parliamentary seat from MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in the 14th General Election.

Following the swearing-in of 13 ministers and 23 deputy ministers on Monday, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said that three more ministers would be appointed after they had been sworn in as senators.