Resolve vehicle inspection issues before introducing new operators, govt told

PETALING JAYA: Transport experts have urged the government to address longstanding weaknesses in the vehicle inspection system before introducing new operators.

Currently, vehicle inspections are managed by Puspakom, whose concession ended on Aug 31, 2024. The government plans to open the sector to other companies to break the monopoly.

Ahmad Farhan Sadullah of Universiti Putra Malaysia said old issues might resurface if the government fails to ensure quality regulation and the integrity of the inspection process, even without a monopoly.

“There should be clarity on how vehicle inspections will proceed under the new arrangement. Will there be regulatory changes?

“Most importantly, the inspection process must ensure vehicles are roadworthy and safe,” Farhan, who is also the UPM vice-chancellor, told FMT.

Last Thursday, transport minister Loke Siew Fook said more than 10 companies have applied to conduct vehicle inspections nationwide.

He said the ministry was reviewing the applications and hoped to introduce new operators by the end of the year.

Transport expert Rosli Azad Khan suggested that Malaysia adopt the UK’s vehicle inspection model to enhance system efficiency and effectiveness.

“Thousands of private workshops certified and regulated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency conduct inspections across the UK.

“There is no centralisation, which ensures wider access and convenience. Vehicle owners no longer have to wait in long queues,” he said.

Rosli raised concerns about potential “conflicting priorities” in the appointment of new operators to break the longstanding monopoly.

“Viewing vehicle inspections as a profit-driven investment opportunity poses significant risks to the government, vehicle owners and road users,” he said. “This undermines the government’s primary goal of public safety.”

He said that without addressing corruption and establishing robust enforcement mechanisms, introducing new competition would fail to resolve the fundamental issues plaguing the transport industry.

Yesterday, it was reported that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission arrested a man, in his 40s, in connection with a case involving heavy vehicle inspections at the Puspakom centre in Kuala Lumpur.

MACC said an initial investigation revealed that the suspect made payments, totalling hundreds of ringgit for each vehicle inspected, in exchange for approving heavy vehicle inspections at Puspakom.