GOVT APPOINTS THREE NEW COMPANIES FOR VEHICLE INSPECTIONS - LOKE

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- The government has appointed three new companies to provide inspection services and operate a Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre under the first phase, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

Speaking to reporters today, he said the companies are Wawasan Bintang Sdn Bhd, which will operate in Port Klang in Selangor, Gua Musang in Kelantan, and Mersing in Johor.

He said Pakatan Petroleum Sdn Bhd will provide services in Rawang, Selangor, and Temerloh, Pahang. Meanwhile, Beriman Gold Sdn Bhd will cover Kuching and Serian, Sarawak.

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“This appointment aligns with the decision of the Cabinet meeting on March 17, 2023, which approved the opening of mandatory motor vehicle inspection services under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) to other qualified companies,” he said during the press conference.

Loke said the selected companies have received the appointment letters and are given two years to complete infrastructure requirements.

"This includes the development of premises, procurement of inspection equipment, as well as obtaining approval from the relevant authorities," he said, stressing that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) would monitor the companies throughout the two years to ensure they comply with all the prescribed requirements and operational standards.

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Asked about the status of the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom), Loke said it would continue operating but must compete with the newly appointed industry players.

"All of their existing branches can continue to operate…we just want to introduce new operators so that the public has options and companies can compete (in terms of services)," he said.

Regarding the operating licence, Loke said the new companies will get it when they comply with all the regulatory requirements and equipment provisions and are ready to commence operations.

"The companies will be given a 10-year operating licence which must be renewed annually. If they do not meet the quality standards set when audited by JPJ, their licence will be revoked," he said, adding that the audit exercise is to ensure that the companies adhere to safety regulations and possess adequate technical capabilities and skills to run the inspection centre.

He said the government will open applications for the inspection centre under phase two from March 1 to June 31, urging local companies with experience and expertise in vehicle inspection to apply.

The government had previously announced that Puspakom will no longer be the sole provider of periodic motor vehicle inspection services for JPJ starting Sept 1, 2024.

-- BERNAMA