Following the announcement that Touch ‘n Go’s monopoly is set to end soon, it appears that the Transport Ministry have set their sights on ending yet another monopoly.
It was recently reported that the cabinet has decided to allow all qualified parties to provide vehicle inspection services after Puspakom’s concession ends on August 31, 2024.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the decision was made on March 17 to promote a competitive industry.
“This means that Puspakom will no longer be the sole provider of vehicle inspection services for the Road Transport Department from September 1, 2024.”
Loke said that several conditions have been set for parties which will provide vehicle inspection services, and these rules will be similar to those that are imposed on Puspakom under the concession agreement.
The agreement includes the responsibility to appoint employees who meet the prescribed qualification requirements, and to provide and use computerised inspection equipment that is regulated and approved by the RTD.
Besides that, Loke said these parties must provide services in full compliance with the scope, standards and procedures of motor inspection; charge an inspection fee rate which has been set; and to not allow the modifying of vehicles and sale of spare parts.
He further said the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will monitor all parties involved in vehicle inspections to ensure compliance and the integrity of the process and that any party found to be in violation of the rules will face penalties or may have their authorisation to conduct inspections revoked.
The registration process for interested parties is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024, he added.
Puspakom was appointed by the government in 1994 as Malaysia’s first and only comprehensive national vehicle inspection company for mandatory inspections of commercial and private vehicles.
What do you think of this move? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: No More Touch ‘n Go Monopoly? Govt Orders For Open Payment System For Public Transport!
