MCA Youth has been made aware of the reports that Ramssol Group (RAMSSOL, 0236), through its subsidiary Rider Gate Sdn. Bhd., has been appointed by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) as a collection agent for a period of two years.
This appointment involves core government services, the handling of sensitive data, and public interest. The Transport Ministry (MOT) must clarify and offer explanations surrounding the issues around this decision.
There are 5 key questions that must be addressed:
1. Was this appointment made through an open tender process? If not, why was Ramssol chosen?
Services that involve government databases, personal data of the rakyat, and large-scale transactions should be procured through a transparent and competitive open tender process. Thus, the Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, must also explain the following:
* Was an open tender conducted and complied with?
* If not, why was the normal process set aside?
* What qualifications does Ramssol or Rider Gate have to be entrusted with such responsibility?
* Were other companies considered?
* Were there any preliminary negotiations or informal agreements?
Public services in this manner must never be done through internal appointments or closed-door deals; Malaysians must be kept informed.
2. JPJ already has a complete digital system, so why is there a further need for a private company to step in?
JPJ has established systems such as the MyJPJ app, the JPJ portal, official bank channels, Pos Malaysia, JPJ kiosks, eAuto and others. These various platforms are capable of handling vehicle ownership transfers, road tax renewals, and fine payments.
* If we already have comprehensive government systems, why appoint a private company to provide the same services?
* Is JPJ unable to handle the volume of users? Are there major technical weaknesses? Or was a market space deliberately opened for certain parties to fill?
Should the government lack confidence in its own systems, the MOT must provide explanations as to why.
3. Will the public be burdened with additional fees?
Media reports indicate that the contract value is dependent on the number of transactions, suggesting that the company will profit from each JPJ processed related transaction.
Based on these reports, the public has the right to know the following:
* Will additional charges be imposed?
* If the answer is yes, who will pay those charges? The rakyat, or the government?
* Will this increase the cost of living?
* Is this a form of privatisation of government services?
If Malaysians are forced to pay more for services that were previously available through government systems, it would be an unfair and unjust system and must be addressed.
4. Why is a middleman needed and who actually benefits?
Appointing a third party to handle public data introduces security risks, increases costs, and transfers core government functions to the private sector.
The most important questions are:
* What is the real benefit to the public?
* Are certain companies receiving greater benefits?
If this appointment does not provide clear added value for users, it raises concerns about potential hidden interests.
5. MOT must provide an immediate, detailed, and truthful explanation.
To uphold transparency and protect the public interest, MCA Youth urges the Transport Minister and JPJ to
* Disclose the appointment process and the evaluation criteria
* State whether an open tender was held or not
* Explain the rationale for outsourcing government functions to a private company
* Reveal the fee structure and any additional costs that will be imposed
* Guarantee that the public will not be burdened with extra costs
* Ensure and assure the safety of the rakyat’s personal information and data
An appointment that involves transactions worth millions of ringgits, and affects millions of Malaysians, must be made transparent. The public has the right to know who made the decisions, what the justifications were, and who actually benefits. The MOT therefore must provide a full, transparent and comprehensive explanation to the rakyat without further delay.
Mike Chong Yew Chuan
MCA National Youth Deputy Chairman
