Four employees from the Puspakom Wangsa Maju branch have been questioned by the Road Transport Department (RTD) over allegations that a vehicle was approved despite failing to meet inspection standards. This comes after RTD conducted surprise checks as part of its nationwide Ops Gempur initiative on December 31.

Puspakom Chief Executive Officer Mahmood Razak Bahman clarified the situation at a press conference held at the Shah Alam Puspakom branch. Initially, only two staff members were summoned to provide statements, but RTD later extended the investigation to two more employees from the same branch.

Clarification on Media Reports

Mahmood addressed media reports that incorrectly stated three staff members had been summoned. He explained that a photograph published in the media depicted Puspakom’s central region director accompanying staff during the RTD checks, but the director was not involved in the questioning.

Details of the Allegations

The four staff members under scrutiny were involved in inspecting the same vehicle. According to Mahmood:

• Two of the employees had failed the vehicle’s brake system and wipers during the inspection.
• The other two failed the brake system but approved the wipers despite visible deterioration.

RTD seized one vehicle from the Wangsa Maju branch, contrary to earlier reports claiming seven vehicles were detained. Mahmood also clarified that the 104 vehicles detained in Perak during Ops Gempur were not inspected within Puspakom centres but were taken action against outside these facilities.

Puspakom’s Response and Internal Investigation

Puspakom has pledged full cooperation with RTD and is awaiting a comprehensive report before initiating internal disciplinary actions. Mahmood assured that if any wrongdoing, including corruption, is confirmed, stern measures will follow.

“We will issue verbal warnings for first offences, escalating to written warnings, and, if necessary, conduct domestic inquiries. Termination may be considered in extreme cases,” Mahmood said.

He noted that preliminary checks on the records of the implicated staff showed no significant disciplinary issues in their work history.

Ops Gempur Update

RTD’s senior enforcement director, Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan, reported that a previous check at the Wangsa Maju centre revealed an unsafe vehicle that had passed inspection. During the operation:

• 29 vehicles were subjected to enforcement action.
• 69 notices were issued for various violations.
• Seven vehicles, including five cars and two lorries, were seized nationwide.

The Ops Gempur initiative, aimed at enhancing road safety, has seen 43 Puspakom branches inspected on December 30, 42 branches the following day, and two more on January 1.

Commitment to Road Safety

Mahmood emphasized Puspakom’s commitment to upholding road safety standards, supporting RTD’s efforts to ensure compliance and accountability within the inspection process.

This ongoing investigation highlights the importance of transparency and stringent oversight in vehicle inspections, critical to maintaining public trust in Malaysia’s transportation system.