JPJ: Use Our App And Online Services To Avoid ‘Runner Fees’

You can save on 'runners fee' on services like vehicle road tax renewal via the MyJPJ app.

Penang state road transport department (JPJ) director Adenan Md Isa was quoted by local daily The Star over the weekend where he urged Malaysian motorists to use the department’s online services and the MyJPJ app instead of paying for ‘runner fees’.

Though the services of runners by motorists to fulfill services like vehicle road tax renewals is common, Adenan argues that these independent third party service providers aren’t necessary. “you do not need the help of a third party, who may charge you more by saying that it is complicated,” he said.

Adenan points out that motorists can perform such transactions personally, and that this is made accessible online via a few clicks of the mouse. He further highlights the same convenience is also provided via the department’s MyJPJ smartphone app.

JPJ says that services such as road tax renewal only requires a few clicks of the mouse, or a few taps on screen to fulfill, the latter via its MyJPJ app. (Images: JPJ Facebook)

“You just need to download the app on your phone, and you have easy access to your road tax. If you need a physical copy, come over to the JPJ office and we will have one printed for you at no charge,” adds Adenan further.

Adenan’s urge stems from the existence of runners who might take advantage of their clients by asking for more money to render these services, regardless of how easy some of these may be. Whilst Adenan acknowledges this being a challenge older-aged persons, he hopes their children can step up and assist.

Adding to which is the fact that some vehicle owners might not be aware, and it’s easy to convince them there’s a lot of work involved when it’s actually not the case. More often than not, this is in fact how some – not all – independent runners go about when offering their services.

Whilst the dept. acknowledges the switch to digital online services can be a challenge for some older-aged folks, the dept. also expressed hope for children of such motorists to assist them. (Image: JPJ Facebook).

In the same report, The Star also quoted a motorist who shared his experience with notes how time consuming a vehicle inspection may take. Instead, by sending a representative who’s well-versed and familiar with the department’s services and inner workings, it can save time.

“Unless you do it regularly, you will not know the process,” the 65-year-old argues further.

The daily also quoted a long-time runner who provides runner services to motorists for three decades. His counterargument lies in the continued growing demand for runners to performance such transactions, some for complicated matters too like transferring vehicle ownership from deceased owners.

However, for such a case, director Adenan clarifies that paperwork for such must be endorsed by the court before ownership can be transferred.

Vehicle road tax renewal is perhaps the most common 'errand' or service provided by third-party 'runners'. 

Moreover, demand for JPJ runners service also stems from the sizable number of foreign nationals living, working, and commuting in Malaysia. These category motorists are subjected to completely different procedures that are also more difficult, likely due to the language barrier – most, if not all , JPJ-related documents and services are presented in Bahasa Malaysia.

Nevertheless, the fact that the department has provided convenience cannot be ignored. What’s your take on the matter? Do you find third-party runners service useful? Or are you the type who’d rather save on costs by reclaiming the process altogether? Hit the comments below with your take.