KUALA LUMPUR: The government's decision to end Puspakom's (Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre) monopoly next year will improve services and give the public more options.
Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said the move would create healthy competition among service providers.
"The Puspakom services issue is an old one. Complaints from the public are not taken seriously as it is the sole service provider for motor vehicle inspection.
"With this move, new companies that offer the same services will force Puspakom to address its shortcomings and provide better services," he said today.
Yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that Puspakom will no longer be the sole provider of scheduled motor vehicle inspections for the Road Transport Department from Sept 1, 2024.
Loke said the cabinet decided on March 17 that the periodic inspection of motor vehicles, which is required under the Road Transport Act 1987, will be opened to qualified service providers that meet the conditions set.
Nadzim said the decision to end Puspakom's monopoly must be accompanied by the setting up of a monitoring body to regulate services and offer solutions to complaints on the quality of service.
"I hope the government sets up a body to identify weaknesses in services provided, including from Puspakom and the new companies, and conduct an investigation so that action can be taken."
Puspakom runner Ahmad Fuad, 35, said the government's decision would help him get more jobs and rely less on Puspakom.
"If I take a heavy vehicle to Puspakom for inspection, it will take a day, from 9am to 6pm.
"If other companies offer similar services, time can be saved and I can take two or three jobs a day."
Ahmad, who has been a runner since 2014, said he hoped new companies offering periodic vehicle inspections would use good equipment.
"We don't want new companies that offer worse or no change in service quality. We are hoping for improvements."