KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) says despite shortcomings, the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) has contributed significantly to road safety over the past 30 years.
Miros Chairman Professor Wong Shaw Voon pointed out that while there are still some bad actors who avoid Puspakom inspections, the majority of vehicle owners comply with the regulations.
He credited the efforts of the government and Puspakom for improving safety standards on the roads.
"I don't think Puspakom is the only one at fault. They have been conducting inspections for 30 years; I don't think it is fair to say they have not done their job.
"Thirty years ago, it was awful. Recently, we still have bad actors that skip Puspakom, but most are compliant. Who made that happen? It was the effort by the government via Puspakom to run this operation. It has contributed to safety. There is an effort," said chairman Professor Wong Shaw Voon when reached by the New Straits Times.
Yesterday, 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 Puspakom.
Loke added that the ministry is aware of the existence of "runners" and cartels within the centre.
Wong acknowledged the existence of these issues within the organisation but urged the public to set a realistic standard when it comes to reforms.
"Compared to other countries, we have gaps to improve, such as integrity issues, so they are more effective. Is corruption happening? I guess it is. How rampant? We must leave it to the authorities. But it is not fair to expect that everything is resolved and clean overnight," he explained.
With the announcement of 10 new firms applying for licences to conduct vehicle inspections, Wong expressed optimism about the potential benefits of competition and highlighted the need for a balanced market.
"Hopefully, it will result in competition. Without competition, there is nothing to compare their service to. There can't be too many companies because it will be beyond management, but it also cannot be monopolised by one.
"For thirty years, it has only been monopolised by one company. Now is a good time to open up. The government should create healthy competition so it brings better value to consumers and transport," he added.
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.