KUALA LUMPUR: Following recent fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles, road safety experts are calling for greater accountability in vehicle inspections.
Universiti Putra Malaysia's Road Safety Research Centre head Associate Professor Dr Law Teik said the public cannot tolerate lapses in inspection procedures, especially as Puspakom is the primary body responsible for inspecting commercial vehicles.
"We cannot tolerate this issue because, so far, they are the only organisation that inspects vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles. Recently, we have had accidents involving commercial vehicles, "he said.
He added that procedural weaknesses could have contributed to the incidents.
"If they have adequate evidence to indicate Puspakom staff is involved in corruption, they have to take the proper action. They cannot let these individuals go about unpunished. They must take it seriously," he said.
Meanwhile, former Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) board member, Shahrim Tamrin said the slow action by authorities in addressing the matter was a cause of concern.
"It is perplexing to know that only now or very recently RTD would conduct checks at Puspakom in the wake of recent incidents involving heavy vehicles which claimed so many lives, including people in family cars," he said when reached by the New Straits Times.
Shahrim noted that allegations of dishonest practices among Puspakom staff were "nothing new and it has been up in the air for many years."
He suggested that recent actions were a 'knee-jerk reaction' to public dissatisfaction on social media about a lack of monitoring and enforcement by RTD and the Transport Ministry.
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.
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.
Responding to the Transport Ministry's decision to license 10 new companies to conduct vehicle inspections, Shahrim expressed concerns on the move.
"More outlets throughout the country other than Puspakom may also mean it is more prone or susceptible to graft practice," he said, adding that authorities must ensure reforms translate into better service and not just increased opportunities for malpractice.
Meanwhile, Law said the initiative was "generally, the right decision" but stressed the need for careful vetting of the companies.
"Do they have the technical skills and support to carry out the job? Are they qualified?" he asked.
He also urged the Transport Ministry to avoid rushing the process, noting that "one year is too short of a time to get ready."
"We cannot expect to gain the knowledge and skill while operating because this involves safety. It involves human lives," he added.