SHAH ALAM: The number of people killed on Malaysian roads continue to rise each year, with behaviour, environmental and vehicle conditions being identified as the main causes of accidents.
Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) chief executive officer Mohammed Shukor Ismail said of the 7,152 deaths recorded in 2016, 20.8 per cent of them involved cars.
He said the rate of road crashes were also up each year, with 521,000 accidents recorded in the same year.
“The government has set a goal to bring down road deaths and severe injuries by 50 per cent by 2020.
“Puspakom serves to assist vehicle owners and drivers to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition and safe for driving.
“Vehicle inspection is an important in preventing accidents although it is the least contributing factor towards road crashes. Just like medical examinations, our vehicles too need regular inspection, at least once a year.
“Many people think sending their vehicles for regular maintenance is enough. This assumption is wrong,” he told reporters when met at the Puspakom office in Padang Jawa here today.
Shukor said, vehicle inspection complements normal periodic vehicle maintenance to ensure their conformity to Malaysian safety and environmental regulations and roadworthiness.
He also said vehicle inspection enables drivers to detect potential defects in their vehicle.
“Early detection followed by appropriate rectification and maintenance can enhance the roadworthiness of vehicles and prevent drivers from forking out huge amounts of money for major repair works later on.
“It only cost RM50 for a thorough inspection of a vehicle. We will provide a report on a vehicle upon inspection and the owner may decide on maintenance or repair works at any workshop.
Puspakom has 55 full-fledged and well-equipped inspection centres nationwide and also provides door-to-door vehicle inspection services via its mobile inspection units.
Shukor further said in conjunction with Chinese New Year, Puspakom will be offering #drivesafenoregrets free Voluntary Vehicle Inspection for private vehicle owners from Feb 5 to Feb 15 (8am to 5pm daily) at all inspection centres nationwide, except Shah Alam, Taman Bukit Maluri, Mak Mandin, Kota Bharu, Langkawi, Labuan and Lahad Datu.
Puspakom, he said, will also deploy its mobile inspection unit at Tesco Shah Alam, Seksyen 13 on Feb 4 and Plaza Tol Alam Impian on Feb 11 from 8am to 5pm.
Shukor said the campaign is a part of the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives that aims to create public awareness on the importance of vehicle safety which contributes to road safety, especially during festive seasons.
“Over the years, this initiative has continuously received positive response from private vehicle owners. In the past five years, more than 15,000 vehicles have undertaken the Free Voluntary Vehicle Inspection service at Puspakom.
“Last year, 3,000 vehicles were inspected, a 20 per cent increase from 2016 where 2,700 vehicles came in. In 2015, only 2,500 were checked.
“Every driver plays an important role when it comes to road safety, and it should start with ensuring the safety and roadworthiness of their vehicles. Only then can we reduce accident rates, which are especially high during the festive seasons.”
Shukor added that no appointments or documents were required for this campaign and the inspections will be done in 30 minutes.
Customers of the campaign are entitled to participate in the “Snap and Win” Facebook contest, where they need to private message their inspection photos to Puspakom’s official Facebook page.
The most creative photo with the most ‘likes’ could win some prizes.
For more information on Puspakom and its campaign, visit Puspakom Facebook page or its website (www.puspakom
.com) or contact 1-800-88-6927.