Transport operators want improvements

Options: Puspakom has been the only vehicle inspection service since 1994.

PETALING JAYA: Following the government’s decision to open up the vehicle inspection sector to more parties, transport operators have suggested that the government provide more inspection centres that are also more accessible, as well as upgrade the system as a whole.

On Friday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that Puspakom will no longer have a monopoly in conducting periodic inspections on commercial motor vehicles in the country from next year onwards.

Peninsular Malaysia Tour Bus Operators’ Association president Steven Chong suggested that the authorities let inspection centres provide different services for large and private vehicles.

“Lorries and buses should be separated from car inspection service to avoid congestion, as larger vehicles require longer service time,” he said.

Chong also suggested that the authorities set up more vehicle inspection stations to reduce the waiting time, particularly during the holiday season.

“Tour bus operators have to wait for three to four hours, which adds up to a full day,” he added.

Federation of School Bus Associations Malaysia president Amali Munif Rahmat said the Road Transport Department should also implement more stringent monitoring when approving more parties for vehicle inspection.

“We suggested ten years ago that the government open up more vehicle inspection centres to allow free competition in the market and more options for operators,” he said, adding that the government should ensure they provide more advanced vehicle inspection devices when approving new parties for the sector.

Grab Drivers Malaysia Association president Arif Asyraf Ali agreed that the vehicle inspection system’s equipment need to be upgraded to improve the quality of the service.

“New competitors should be willing to invest in new technology for vehicle inspection equipment.

“Some vehicle inspection instruments are over ten to 15 years old, and we need more accurate instruments,” he added.

Arif also hopes that more vehicle inspection centres can be established in the outlying areas so that drivers in Selangor do not only have to travel to Petaling Jaya, but can get inspection services in places such as Tanjung Karang or Sabak Bernam.

“Our sole appeal is to reduce time spent in lines and congestion,” he added.

Loke had said that the Cabinet has decided to open up vehicle inspection services to other companies, even after it extended Puspakom’s concession for another 15 years from Sept 1, 2024.

Incorporated in 1994, this wholly-owned subsidiary of DRB-Hicom Bhd is Malaysia’s first and only comprehensive national vehicle inspection company that undertake all mandatory inspections for both commercial and private vehicles.

That same day, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is reviewing all monopolies to ensure that the public enjoys fair and better service.

“The principle of transparent economic development warrants us to make adjustments,” he told Bernama.