[UPDATED] No more exclusivity for Puspakom after Aug 2024: Loke

PUTRAJAYA – Puspakom will no longer be the only agency providing vehicle inspection services once its concession ends on August 31 next year.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this means that the government will allow other qualified service providers to carry out vehicle inspections as an effort to promote a competitive industry.

“The concession for Puspakom will be renewed. However, the inspection services will no longer be exclusive to Puspakom,” he said during a press conference at his ministry here.

He added that this was decided during a cabinet meeting on March 17.

Other decisions included the 15-year extension of Puspakom’s concession, effective September 1, 2024. 

He also mentioned that offers to provide periodic motor vehicle inspection services will be opened to interested parties the latest by the first quarter of 2024.

Loke said the new policy will alleviate long queues during mandatory inspections, which is a long-standing concern often brought up by the public.

“Puspakom services will continue but now consumers can choose to use other inspection service providers.”

He added that the ministry has established operational guidelines, scope of service, minimum requirements, and other terms for those interested to provide inspection services for commercial and private vehicles.

Loke said the terms set for other parties are the same ones imposed on Puspakom under its concession agreement.

For example, the firms must appoint credible employees to carry out inspections, prepare proper inspection equipment approved by the Road Transport Department (RTD), and provide quality service as per the required standard.

Other terms include appointed firms are not allowed to upsell other services such as car modification or parts replacement.

Inspection fees are to follow a set guideline.

“RTD will also conduct continuous audits and inspections of all parties that provide such services to ensure compliance.

“Any parties found to be in breach of any of these terms will be penalised or have their approvals revoked.”

Previously, The Vibes reported that transport consultant Rosli Azad Khan called for a thorough review of Puspakom’s role and its effectiveness in reducing road crashes involving commercial vehicles. – The Vibes, March 24, 2023