KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan is questioning why Sabah companies have not been selected for vehicle inspections in the government's move to dismantle the longstanding monopoly by Puspakom.
Warisan vice president Datuk Junz Wong raised the party's concern over the apparent exclusion of Sabah from the government's initiative to end the monopoly of a single company responsible for vehicle inspections nationwide.
"While it’s a progressive step to introduce new companies such as Wawasan Bintang, Pakatan Petroleum, and Beriman Gold from Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak, it’s disheartening to see Sabah is once again being overlooked," he said on Wednesday (Feb 12).
Wong questioned the selection criteria, especially since one of the companies from Kuala Lumpur is newly established in the automobile sector, another is primarily an oil and gas company, and the firm from Sarawak specialises in information technology.
"There are numerous capable and professional automobile companies in Sabah that could contribute significantly to this initiative," said the Tanjung Aru assemblyman and former state minister.
Wong said that the federal government's move to dismantle Puspakom's longstanding monopoly on vehicle inspections was commendable.
He also praised Transport Minister Anthony Loke for promoting competition and enhancing consumer choice by introducing new contenders into the market.
However, he said both Loke and the federal government must take steps to include Sabah companies in the list of approved vehicle inspection bodies to ensure equitable development and representation.
"Sabahans are just as capable, and it’s time our potential is recognised on the national stage," Wong said, adding that there must be inclusiveness in federal projects and initiatives.
On February 7, Loke announced that three companies had received letters of appointment: Wawasan Bintang Sdn Bhd, Pakatan Petroleum Sdn Bhd, and Beriman Gold Sdn Bhd.
The companies have been given two years to complete infrastructure requirements and obtain the relevant authority approvals or have their appointments revoked.
Only after meeting all requirements will the companies be granted ten-year licences, which will have to be renewed annually.
