KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s move to end the monopoly of Puspakom (computerised
vehicle inspection centre) starting next year is seen as the right step towards
improving the services offered as well as giving more options to the public.
The Malaysian Muslim
Consumers Association (PPIM) chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said the move to
open the services to qualified parties can create healthy competition among
service providers.
“The issue involving
services offered by Puspakom is an old issue and complaints received from the
public are not taken seriously as it is the sole service provider of periodic
inspection of motor vehicles.
“With this move, new
companies offering the same services will be able to address the shortcomings
in Puspakom thus enabling them to provide better services,” he said when
contacted by Bernama today.
Yesterday, Transport
Minister Anthony Loke announced that Puspakom will no longer be the sole
provider of scheduled motor vehicle inspection for the Road Transport
Department (JPJ) beginning Sept 1, 2024.
Loke said the Cabinet
decided on March 17 that the periodic inspection service of motor vehicles,
which is required under the Road Transport Act 1987, will be opened to any
qualified party that meets the conditions set.
Meanwhile, Nadzim said the
decision to end the monopoly must be accompanied by the setting up of a
monitoring body to regulate services and offer solutions to complaints
regarding the quality of service provided by the companies involved.
“I hope the government to
set up a body to identify weaknesses in the services provided including from
Pusakom and the new companies and conduct an investigation so that appropriate
action can be taken,” he said.
Meanwhile, a Puspakom
‘runner,’ Ahmad Fuad, 35, said that the government’s move is seen as an
opportunity for him to get more ‘jobs’ from customers and no longer rely on
Puspakom.
“Usually, if I bring in a
heavy vehicle for inspection at Puspakom it will take a day, from 9 am to 6 pm.
However, when other companies offer similar services, of course in terms of
time can also be saved and I might be able to take two or three jobs a day,” he
said.
Ahmad, who has been a
runner since 2014, hoped new companies offering scheduled periodic vehicle
inspections to use sophisticated equipment equivalent to what is available in
Puspakom or better.
“We
don’t want a new company with worse services or there is no change, as we are
hoping for improvements in services,” he added. - Bernama
ENDING PUSPAKOM MONOPOLY PAVES WAY FOR BETTER SERVICES
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/ending-puspakom-monopoly-paves-way-for-better-services-KP10792091
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