Bold Reforms Needed To Cure Vehicle Inspection Ills Says Expert

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New vehicle inspection operators will be announced this year, following the end of Puspakom’s concession in August 2024. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: A transport think tank has questioned if Putrajaya is prepared to address deep-rooted issues behind vehicle inspections, following the government’s decision to dismantle Puspakom’s 30-year monopoly.
Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, founder of the My Mobility Vision organisation, said bold, uncompromising reforms were needed to overcome decades of systemic failures.
“Without a drastic overhaul, new operators may inherit the same flawed practices, perpetuating a cycle of compromised road safety,” he said.
He said Puspakom’s monopoly had led to allegations of bribery, fraudulent approvals, and part-swapping schemes.
The monopoly had created an unchecked system that allowed unsafe vehicles to operate on Malaysia’s roads, directly contributing to the high number of road deaths.
Last week, transport minister Loke Siew Fook said that more than 10 companies have applied to provide vehicle inspection services following the end of the Puspakom monopoly on Aug 31. Loke said he hoped to introduce the new operators by the end of the year.
Wan Agyl said new entrants to the inspection business would face daunting challenges, including high capital requirements and stringent regulations.
He suggested that an independent regulatory body should be set up to oversee inspection service operators. There should also be incentives to provide rural access to inspection services.
“There is also a risk of market fragmentation, where urban areas benefit from increased competition while rural communities remain underserved. Without clear government incentives for rural access, such as subsidies or tax breaks, the liberalisation process could create new inequities rather than solving existing ones,” he said. - FMT

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