WE refer to the letter from Narinder Pal Singh, “Metro bus nuisance” (The Star, Dec 2), and wish to clarify our position on the matters he raised relating to Puspakom.
Statement 1: “They are rickety and shabby – making one wonder how on earth they even obtained an operating licence from the RTD, SPAD and Puspakom.”
At Puspakom, we do not have authority to issue any operating licence to any transport operator. Puspakom is only concerned with the roadworthiness of the vehicle which is assessed through vehicle inspections in accordance with the Road Transport Act 1987 and other related standards and regulations.
Under the Road Transport Act 1987, routine inspection is a mandatory requirement for all public buses every six months. Puspakom will check the legality and roadworthiness of the bus during this inspection.
Statement 2: “They spew black smoke from their exhaust which is nauseating in sight and smell, and yet get away scot-free as though the RTD, SPAD and Puspakom are all ‘blind’.”
There are many causes that may lead to a bus emitting black smoke, one and the most common being poor maintenance. The fact is that although a vehicle undergoes inspection at Puspakom and gets a pass result, it does not mean the vehicle is in perfect condition during the period between inspections.
It is advisable for bus operators/drivers to maintain their vehicle according to the mileage-based maintenance manual issued by the respective manufacturer and not just rely on vehicle inspection once every six months.
Puspakom strongly condemns some irresponsible acts like the temporary changing of tyres, tinted glass or other such features and the manipulation of smoke emission by certain groups of drivers/operators for the purpose of enabling vehicles to pass the inspection. Such irresponsible acts do not only contravene the Road Transport Act 1987 but also endanger the safety of other road users.
It has to be reiterated that the driver/operator bears full responsibility for ensuring the safe operation and roadworthiness of the bus at the time it is being driven.
We wish to stress that vehicle inspections at Puspakom are conducted professionally using advanced technology, internationally-recognised methods and calibrated equipment that will enable owners and drivers to identify any defects in their vehicle. However, it is their responsibility to take appropriate action to rectify the defects so that the vehicle is roadworthy.
COMMUNICATIONS & CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT
Puspakom Sdn Bhd
