MOT: PUSPAKOM Role Will Be Opened To More Parties

The Minister Of Transport, YB Anthony Loke, confirmed today that a decision made by Cabinet Ministers on March 17 that sees periodic motor vehicle inspection services soon opened to any qualified parties who meet conditions once the current concession to PUSPAKOM expires on Aug 31 next year.

The entire process of inviting new interested parties to fulfil these services is expected to start in the first quarter of 2024. This also aligns with the Government's desire to create a competitive service environment.

However, the current PUSPAKOM Concession Agreement which was extended for 15 years in 2009, would still be given another 15 years extension after 2014 provided PUSPAKOM agrees and makes improvements as highlighted in the terms of the existing agreement. Following which, PUSPAKOM would not be the only service provider of vehicle inspection services for the Road Transport Department effective Sept 1, 2024.

PUSPAKOM came into the picture back in 1994 when the government appointed the company to be the very first and, until now, sole comprehensive national vehicle inspection service company.

Furthermore, YB Loke announced that for all potential future service providers, similar rules apply as with PUSPAKOM. Some of which cover the appointment of employees who are able meet the set qualification requirements, to provide computerised inspection equipment approved by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), to provide vehicle inspection in accordance to set standards, to be able to follow the set inspection fee rate, and to not accommodate modification of vehicles.

All parties would also be subject to monitoring by JPJ to ensure the set levels of compliance and integrity are met, failing which there would be a possibility of penalty imposed upon the service provider. All interested parties can begin registering their interest beginning the first quarter of 2024.

Source: New Straits Times