Puspakom Welcomes Competition, Closes Wangsa Maju Centre In June

Malaysia’s first vehicle inspection company, Puspakom Sdn Bhd (Puspakom), has welcomed the entry of three new companies into the sector, saying it will create a more dynamic industry and promote healthy competition.

Puspakom CEO, Mahmood Razak Bahman, expressed support for the Transport Ministry’s (MOT) recent announcement regarding new companies joining the vehicle inspection service.

"Puspakom will continue to improve service quality for all customers," he said in a statement on Friday.

He also viewed the arrival of new operators positively, stating that it allows shared responsibility in ensuring vehicle safety while fostering collaboration to enhance inspection standards in Malaysia.

Earlier, MOT announced the appointment of three new companies to provide Motor Vehicle Inspection Services (PPKM), effectively ending Puspakom’s monopoly.

Mahmood also went on to urge vehicle owners to move away from the mindset of undergoing inspections solely to pass and instead recognise them as essential for their safety and that of other road users.

On the issue of integrity, Mahmood stressed that Puspakom has zero tolerance for misconduct among its staff, acknowledging that some Puspakom employees are currently under investigation.

He described the current period as both challenging and exciting for Puspakom, reaffirming the company’s commitment to upholding integrity in all aspects of its operations.

Meanwhile, the Transport Ministry has also instructed Puspakom to close its Wangsa Maju branch by June at the latest, following an anti-graft probe involving staff members.

Last month, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested eight individuals, including six vehicle inspection officers, in connection with heavy vehicle inspections at the Wangsa Maju Puspakom centre.

This closure will allow the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to establish a new facility at the same site. However no detail was shared on who the operator will be.

The Wangsa Maju branch handled approximately 800 vehicles daily, making it one of the busiest in the network. Therefore to mitigate the impact of the facility closure, Puspakom will extend operating hours at several other branches in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Negeri Sembilan.

Additionally, Mahmood announced that JPJ has approved Puspakom’s application to open a new branch in Bukit Beruntung, Rawang, which is expected to be completed by December.