PUTRAJAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that his ministry will collaborate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to address integrity concerns within the vehicle inspection services at the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom).
Loke's statement follows an investigation into allegations that Puspakom staff approved a vehicle that was later deemed unsafe by the Road Transport Department (RTD).
The ministry is working to determine whether syndicates are involved in offering illegal services.
"We want to identify not only this isolated case but, more importantly, whether a syndicate is behind these unauthorised services," Loke said. "We are aware of 'runners' and cartels approving vehicles that fail inspection. This case will be thoroughly investigated."
The minister confirmed that three officers have been called in for questioning, with the inquiry ongoing.
On Monday, a surprise RTD inspection at the Wangsa Maju Puspakom centre uncovered an unsafe vehicle that had passed its inspection. RTD officers also found several lorries with unsafe retreaded tyres awaiting inspection.
Two Puspakom staff members were questioned after allegedly approving a vehicle that was later deemed unsafe by the RTD.
Loke also acknowledged that some heavy vehicle operators exploit loopholes in the Puspakom inspection process by swapping good tyres for poor-quality ones after passing the test.