Puspakom will no longer monopolize the periodic inspection service of motor vehicles after its concession expires on August 31.

Puspakom was appointed by the government in 1994 as the first and only national vehicle inspection company.

According to transport minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, the decision that the periodic inspection service of motor vehicles for the Road Transport Department (JPJ) should be open to qualified parties who meet the conditions was taken after a meeting with the council ministers on March 17.

“This ruling means that Puspakom will no longer be the sole provider of motor vehicle periodic inspection services for the Road Transport Department (JPJ) from 1 September 2024,” he said

“The ministry together with JPJ will develop eligibility requirements, operating rules, the scope of service, determination of inspection locations and guidelines for interested parties,” he added.

This includes hiring qualified staff, using computerised inspection equipment regulated and approved by JPJ and charging a fixed inspection fee rate.

Anthony also said that large vehicles like lorries and buses will have to wait a long time for their vehicles to be inspected, especially if there is only one Puspakom centre in their area.

There are only 56 Puspakom centres across the country.

There was also mention of improvement efforts in customer service and the booking process. The installation of CCTV systems is also advised for the purpose of real-time monitoring as well as human resources development training for its staff.

Loke said the transport ministry is finalizing operation conditions for such services and expects applications to start by the first quarter of 2024.