No Licences Issued Yet As Govt Defends Inspection Firms Appointment

In a follow-up to the government’s recent announcement on appointing three new companies for Motor Vehicle Inspection Centres (PPKM), Transport Minister Anthony Loke clarified that no operating licences have been issued yet.

Instead, under phase one the companies, Wawasan Bintang Sdn Bhd, Pakatan Petroleum Sdn Bhd and Beriman Gold Sdn Bhd were granted conditional approval and were given two years to meet all infrastructure requirements.

Loke further stressed that no contracts have been awarded and no public funds have been spent. The companies are expected to finance the purchase of land, equipment and facility construction without any financial implications for the government.

Addressing concerns over the companies’ experience and allegations of cronyism, Loke pointed out that the PPKM services were monopolized by a single company, Puspakom since 1994 leaving the market devoid of experienced players.

In fact, even Puspakom itself did not have prior experience when it began operations. However, now by opening up the industry, the government aims to promote competition and allow more companies to participate in vehicle inspection services.

The three companies have been tasked with developing infrastructure in various regions across Malaysia. The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will continuously monitor these companies to ensure compliance with all PPKM operational standards.

Only after meeting all the regulatory and infrastructure requirements will the companies be issued full operating licences to begin services.

Source: BERNAMA