The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has today announced the appointment of three new companies that will perform vehicle inspections besides Puspakom.
These companies are Wawasan Bintang Sdn Bhd which will be operating in Port Klang, Gua Musang, and Mersing; Pakatan Petroleum Sdn Bhd in Rawang and Temerloh, and Beriman Gold Sdn Bhd in Kuching and Serian.
It was first announced on 17 March 2023, following a cabinet meeting, that the vehicle inspections mandated under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) would be opened up to other eligible companies, effectively ending Puspakom’s monopoly in the space.
During the first phase of applications opened from 1 July 2024 to 31 October 2024, 12 companies had applied for the licences. The second phase will open applications again from 1 March 2025 to 31 June 2025.
According to Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, the three locally-owned companies were selected due to their strong financial position (requiring at least RM10 million in paid-up capital), appropriate proposed location to perform vehicle inspections (size, distance to housing areas, and in line with the Town and Country Planning Department’s zoning requirements), as well as “high potential, readiness, and commitment” based on their submitted paperwork.
Loke adds that the appointed companies will have two years to complete infrastructure requirements. These will include facility development, procurement of inspection equipment, and obtaining appropriate approval from relevant authorities.
During this period, the MOT will monitor the appointed companies through the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to ensure that operational conditions for vehicle inspections are met. Once fulfilled, the full operating licences will be released.
Companies that initially failed during the first phase are encouraged by the MOT to reapply for the licences again.
The MOT emphasizes that with more inspection centres opening up, healthier competition will be fostered with better vehicle inspection quality and road safety.
READ: Puspakom’s 3-decade monopoly ends with more than 10 companies applying for licences
