Loke Puspakom S Monopoly Ends Over 10 Firms Apply For Inspection Licence

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Transport Minister Anthony Loke has revealed that more than 10 companies have applied for the licence to inspect motor vehicles following the end of Puspakom’s monopoly of such services.
However, whether these companies are granted the licence will only be known at a later date.
"The number of companies that are given the licence will be announced later," Loke told a press conference at his ministry in Putrajaya today.
He expressed hope that there will be new operators by the end of the year, which will provide consumers with options for vehicle inspection services.
The minister shared that Puspakom's concession ended on Aug 31 last year but it can continue to operate as it is still licensed.
"The difference is that it (Puspakom) can no longer be a monopoly," he added.
30-year monopoly
In March last year, Loke announced the cabinet's decision to end Puspakom's 30-year monopoly on periodic motor vehicle inspection services on behalf of the Road Transport Department (RTD).
It was the nation’s only comprehensive national vehicle inspection company and was appointed in 1994 to undertake all mandatory inspections for both commercial and private vehicles.
Loke had said at the time that the long wait was the reason for opening up the industry, as there were only 56 Puspakom centres nationwide.
Transport Minister Anthony LokeFacilities need to be built
At the press conference today, Loke said licences would be granted to qualified companies.
However, these companies will still need time to set up or build their facilities, he added.
"We are definitely not doing this in a hurry.
"We know if we rush this, these centres will not be sustainable," he said.
Probe into fraudulent approvals
Loke also said the ministry will collaborate with MACC to investigate vehicles that passed the Puspakom inspection without meeting standards.
He said the probe would address both integrity issues and the possible existence of syndicates offering unauthorised services, such as approving vehicles that do not comply with RTD standards.
"We are preparing an inspection report on the investigation and will not hesitate to take stricter actions in collaboration with the MACC.
"We know there are talks of 'runners', cartels, and other means (available for hire) to enable vehicles which fail inspections to be approved.
“This matter will be thoroughly investigated," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
Loke added that three Puspakom staff members have been questioned so far, and he did not rule out the possibility of summoning others.
MACC chief Azam BakiBernama also reported that MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki said the RTD is expected to submit a technical report on its probe within two weeks.
"We want RTD to investigate first. Once the investigation is complete, I want all technical reports to be submitted to the MACC.
"From the report, we will review it and may identify angles for investigation under the MACC Act or the Penal Code," he added. - Mkini

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