Subsidised health screening programme to benefit 30,000 commercial drivers - Loke

THE government will roll out the Healthy and Safe Drivers Programme (PSS) on July 1, providing subsidised health screenings and a fully digital medical certification process for 30,000 commercial vehicle drivers in an effort to improve road safety.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the programme targets holders of PSV E and GDL E vocational licences and is a joint initiative involving the Transport Ministry (MOT), Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), Social Security Organisation (SOCSO Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).

Under the programme, drivers' medical examination reports will be uploaded digitally and integrated into JPJ's MySikap system, eliminating the need for physical forms when renewing Public Service Vehicle (PSV), Goods Driving Licence (GDL) and related vocational permits.

“Under the new system, drivers only need to undergo medical examinations at registered panel clinics, while doctors will verify the results and upload the reports directly into the system.

“The programme also benefits drivers through health screening costs subsidised by SOCSO, reducing the fee to RM30 per person compared with the usual RM80 to RM100.

“Besides lowering costs, the more comprehensive health screening is expected to help detect medical conditions at an early stage, ensuring drivers remain fit and safe while on the road,” he told reporters after launching the programme on Tuesday.

Loke said the programme is ready for immediate implementation through a network of 500 registered panel clinics, with the number expected to increase to 3,000 clinics nationwide.

He said the Malaysian Medical Association has assured the government that all examinations will be conducted according to established medical standards and assessment criteria to ensure comprehensive evaluations of drivers' health.

The first phase will focus on at least 30,000 commercial drivers aged between 40 and 59, who have been identified as a higher-risk group.

The programme will run from July to December with a total allocation of RM12.4 million, comprising RM7 million from SOCSO and RM5.4 million from the Ministry of Finance.

Loke said the programme's effectiveness will be reviewed at the end of the year before the government decides whether to allocate additional funding and expand the initiative to more commercial drivers in 2027 if it receives a positive response. - June 30, 2026