KUALA LUMPUR: Health checkups for older commercial drivers have been set at just RM30 under the government’s new subsidised Pemandu Sihat dan Selamat (PSS) programme.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said such drivers aged between 40 and 59 can get the comprehensive medical tests at 500 panel clinics nationwide.
He said PSS will benefit about 30,000 eligible commercial drivers across the country, with a RM55 subsidy for each doing the check-up.
“Instead of waiting for an accident to happen, PSS is to encourage these high-risk drivers to identify health risk factors early so they can obtain appropriate advice and treatment.
“Road safety begins before the vehicle engine is even started. Through PSS, we can ensure only drivers who are truly healthy and fit are on the road,” he said when launching the programme at the Wangsa Maju Road Transport Department (JPJ) headquarters here yesterday.
The PSS will only apply to drivers holding a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Class E (Bus) or Goods Driving Licence (GDL) Class E (Rigid/Articulated) license.
Eligible drivers must be active PERKESO contributors. The programme is jointly undertaken by the Transport and Human Resources ministries, Malaysian Medical Association and JPJ.
Loke said PSS will also digitalise health records of eligible drivers through direct integration with JPJ’s MySikap system.
“When drivers go for their medical checkup, the panel clinic conducting it will assess the report and directly submit it to the MySikap system,” Loke added.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, who was also present, said drivers undergoing the PSS health screening will be assessed by physical examinations, as well as vision and hearing tests.
This includes assessments of their cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal systems, as well as HbA1c tests for drivers with a history of diabetes, he added.
He said the drivers will also be screened for sleep disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), which could put them at risk while driving.
“Studies have shown that accidents are not caused solely by technical failures or road conditions but also health factors such as fatigue, sleep disorders and high blood pressure which reduces a driver’s alertness.
“PSS is to encourage drivers to have medical examinations, not to make their lives difficult,” he said in his speech.
For details, visit https://www.perkeso.gov.my/perkhidmatan-kami/perubatan/program-pemandu-sihat-selamat.html.
