NINE companies have been blacklisted for offences related to the misappropriation of approved permits (APs) for motor vehicles, the deputy international trade and industry minister told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Ong Kian Ming, replying to a question by Pang Hok Liong (PH-Labis), said the ministry has conducted audits from time to time since May last year to curb the issue of AP abuse, including the appointment of middlemen.

Some 50 firms in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have been audited; 10 in Sabah, Sarawak and Johor; and, five in Penang.

On whether the government will make the audit findings public, Ong said although there is intention to do so, the ministry has to be mindful of the legal repercussions.

“From a transparency point of view, we have the intention to make the findings public, but we also have to be mindful of the legal implications if we make the announcement before the investigation is completed.”

To an additional question by Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) on what action will be taken against the blacklisted companies, Ong said they will be barred from applying for new permits, but can still appeal.

The appeals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, he said. – October 9, 2019.