PUTRAJAYA: The government has appointed three companies to carry out motor vehicle inspection services, ending Puspakom’s long-standing monopoly.
The companies are Wawasan Bintang, Pakatan Petroleum, and Beriman Gold.
Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the selection followed a rigorous evaluation process and was in line with the Cabinet’s decision on March 17, 2023 to open mandatory vehicle inspections under the Road Transport Act 1987 to qualified firms.
“The expansion of motor vehicle inspection services aims to ensure better service and road safety for all Malaysians,” he told a press conference today.
Loke said the companies were chosen based on their financial strength, regulatory compliance, and suitability of proposed inspection centre locations.
“Wawasan Bintang will operate in Port Klang, Gua Musang and Mersing, while Pakatan Petroleum will serve Rawang and Temerloh.
“Beriman Gold has been assigned two locations in Sarawak – Kuching and Serian – to extend services to East Malaysia,” he said.
He said the companies must complete their infrastructure setup, including premises and equipment, within 24 months.
“Only after meeting all the regulatory and operational standards will they receive the licences to begin inspections,” he said, adding that licences may be issued earlier if infrastructure is completed before the deadline.
Loke also said Puspakom would continue operating as usual, with all its branches remaining open.
“Puspakom is still operating. Every branch can continue, so Puspakom is not shut down. The difference is we want to introduce new operators so there is competition,” he said.
Puspakom is Malaysia’s first and only comprehensive national vehicle inspection company, appointed in 1994 by the government to undertake all mandatory inspections for both commercial and private vehicles.
Loke also announced that the second phase of applications for motor vehicle inspection operators will be open from March to June.
“Unsuccessful firms from the first phase are encouraged to reapply if they meet the required standards,” he said.
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