Ending Puspakom’s monopoly on vehicle inspection services in 2024, the government does not open up the field – Loke
Puspakom will no longer be the only agency offering vehicle inspection services from next year, with the government announcing that it will open the field to other qualified service providers after the franchise. The company’s current period ends on August 31, 2024.
The announcement was made by transport minister Anthony Loke, who said that while Puspakom’s franchise will be renewed, it will no longer be exclusive. Currently, Puspakom is the only company that handles all the mandatory inspections for both commercial and private vehicles in the country.
Loke says that any party that is qualified to handle vehicle inspections and meets the conditions can be appointed to do so. He added that the process of inviting interested parties is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024.
IN a post on his Facebook pageLoke said the matter was decided during a cabinet meeting on March 17. He added that the decision to do so was because the government wanted to promote a competitive vehicle inspection industry as well as increase efficiency.
Loke said that while the cabinet agreed to extend the franchise to Puspakom for another 15 years from 1 September 2024, the company – appointed by the government in 1994 to carry out the mandatory vehicle inspections – will have to make government-determined improvements, requirements that will also apply to any party designated to provide vehicle inspection services.
These include the provision of services that fully comply with the range, standards and procedures of engine testing, as well as the hiring of staff to meet regulatory qualification requirements and the use of on-board test equipment. computers are regulated and approved by the Department of Road Traffic (JPJ), New Straits Times report.
One of the main difficulties with vehicle inspection is the often lengthy process that takes place – opening up the segment to more players will hopefully improve the situation.
