Transport Minister Anthony Loke today announced three new companies providing vehicle inspection services (PPKM), marking the end of the monopoly era of the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (PUSPAKOM).
He said the three companies are WAWASAN BINTANG Sdn Bhd, PAKATAN PETROLEUM Sdn Bhd, and BERIMAN GOLD Sdn Bhd.
He pointed out that the vehicle inspection centers opened by these companies are located in Klang and Rawang in Selangor; Tumpat in Kelantan; Mersing in Johor; Temerloh in Pahang; and Kuching and Serian in Sarawak.
He stated this during a press conference at the department today.
Anthony Loke said the appointment of these companies must meet established conditions, including having a stable financial position, a minimum paid-up capital of RM10 million, being a private company and a local company.
He said that after receiving the appointment letters today, these companies will be given 24 months to complete infrastructure, such as buildings, equipment acquisition, and obtaining the relevant authorities' approvals.
“If these companies can complete all equipment in 6 months, the department will also issue an operating license.”
He pointed out that although these companies are given a 10-year operating period, they need to renew their operating licenses annually; if they fail to meet the stipulated service conditions, the licenses will be revoked.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Transport, through the Road Transport Department, will continuously monitor the progress of these companies to ensure they meet the operational requirements and standards set by the guidelines.
“Operating licenses will only be granted once the respective companies fully satisfy regulatory requirements, complete equipment, and are ready to commence operations.”
The Cabinet approved the Ministry of Transport to terminate PUSPAKOM's exclusive concession agreement as the only government-appointed provider of vehicle inspection services for commercial and private vehicles by 2024. After the contract expired on August 31 last year, PUSPAKOM currently only holds an inspection operating license.
Asked if the establishment of vehicle inspection center locations was regulated by the Ministry of Transport, Anthony Loke explained that the ministry has guidelines for location setup, such as building in densely populated or high-demand areas, citing the inspection centers set up in Port Klang and Rawang in Selangor as examples, both being industrial areas with high inspection demand.
He also said interested parties can visit the Road Transport Department's website for inquiries.
Regarding inspection fees, Anthony Loke stated that the ministry would maintain the existing ceiling price for inspection fees.
He said the ministry would open a second phase of applications from March 1 to June 31 this year to increase vehicle inspection services.
He pointed out that unsuccessful companies in the first phase and any other interested companies can submit their applications in the second phase.
He encouraged interested and eligible companies, especially local companies with experience and expertise in the vehicle inspection field, to apply.
On another note, when asked if the recent helicopter crash in Bentong would affect the East Coast Rail Link project, Anthony Loke stated that he had just been notified of the incident and said it would not affect the ECRL project.
Yesterday, a Bell 206L-4 Long Ranger transport helicopter caught fire while landing on the old Kuala Lumpur-Bentong road in Pahang, resulting in one death and one survivor.
The incident happened near a hot spring area while the helicopter was performing cable installation hoisting, with the fire causing the aircraft to be completely destroyed.