KUALA LUMPUR – The Transport Ministry is preparing a report on the investigation into vehicles failing to meet the approved standards set by the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom).
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the ministry is collaborating with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate allegations of a syndicate offering illegal services, such as approving vehicles that do not comply with the standards set by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
“We will certainly work with the MACC to address integrity issues in Puspakom and will not hesitate to take stricter action.
“We are not only looking into isolated cases but, more importantly, (if) there are syndicates offering illegal services,” he said during a press conference after officiating the JPJ office in Putrajaya on Thursday, as quoted by Sinar Harian.
Previously, the media reported that Puspakom Chief Executive Officer Mahmood Razak Bahman confirmed two staff members from its Wangsa Maju branch were summoned to provide statements to JPJ.
This followed a nationwide operation by JPJ to ensure vehicles inspected at Puspakom facilities comply with the stipulated standards.
Loke further emphasised that the investigation would be expanded to include allegations of middlemen offering vehicle component rentals to pass inspections.
“We are aware that in the market, people talk about ‘runners’, cartels, and so on, allowing even non-compliant vehicles to pass inspections.
“This case is being thoroughly investigated, and we are working closely with the MACC,” he said.
Meanwhile, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki expects the technical report on the investigation to be submitted within 14 days.
“Once the investigation is complete, I want all the technical reports handed over to the MACC. I have also discussed this with the JPJ Director-General (Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli).
“From the report, we will review and potentially identify an angle for investigation under the MACC Act or the Penal Code,” he explained.
Loke also revealed that more than 10 companies have applied to conduct vehicle inspections nationwide, signalling an end to Puspakom’s three-decade monopoly.
“The ministry is reviewing the applications and hopes to introduce new operators by the end of the year,” he said, as quoted by FMT.
“The exact number of companies that will be granted licences will be announced later. The new operators will need time to build their facilities, but this will provide motorists with more options for vehicle inspections.”
In March 2023, Loke announced that the Cabinet had decided to open vehicle inspection services to qualified parties once Puspakom’s concession ended on August 31, 2024.
Previously, the media reported that Puspakom Chief Executive Officer Mahmood Razak Bahman confirmed two staff members from its Wangsa Maju branch were summoned to provide statements to JPJ. – January 2, 2024