Happy ending to monopoly on vehicle inspection


THE Transport Ministry’s announcement of the end of Puspakom’s monopoly on vehicle inspection is great news.  

Many motorists and commercial vehicle owners and operators are elated. They have been waiting for years for the government to ensure fair play and a competitive policy in the automotive industry. 

I would like to share my knowledge and experience in vehicle inspection. 

While I was studying in the UK, I bought the cheapest old car I could afford. 

I was told that the age of the car did not matter, as long as it had a Transport Ministry (MOT) certificate.  

This was how I discovered that the UK already had a vehicle inspection policy, referred to as an MOT certificate.  

The inspection was not done at a government inspection centre, or the JPJ equivalent here.  

It was carried out at approved MOT workshops scattered throughout the country. Even small towns had MOT workshops.

The regulation said MOT certificates were needed for any vehicle that was three years old and above.  

It could be done annually and must be conducted by an accredited mechanic on behalf of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.  

The mechanic or technician would not only do a thorough inspection of your vehicle, but would also list down its failures and recommend repairs. 

The purpose of the inspection was very clear: to make sure the important parts of the vehicle are in good working order.  

Any repair or rectification could be done at the same workshop, for which the mechanic would quote a price.  

Vehicle owners were free to do the repairs elsewhere and take their vehicles back to the same licensed workshop for re-inspection at no additional fee.  

Those demanding payment would get their licences revoked and their contract terminated by the MOT. 

I always thought that a once-a-year inspection was sufficient and more reasonable than every six months as currently practised in Malaysia. 

The UK method of vehicle inspection has worked well until today. It not only eliminates corrupt practices, but also provides additional income to many workshops. 

The policy is helpful to all parties, improving the competence of many motor mechanics and ensuring the proper conduct of a roadworthiness inspection.  

Most important of all, it spurs the local economy. 

Vehicle owners benefit from the convenience of the process and from not having to deal with bureaucracy.  

And there are huge benefits to the motor industry and society at large from the elimination of bribery and other illegal activities. 

In Malaysia, the transfer of the vehicle inspection unit from JPJ to a private company was treated with suspicion. It was implemented without any regard to vehicle owners, operators, and society. 

It also did not make any sense for vehicle owners to pay an inspection fee every time a vehicle was sold to a new buyer.  

What value does that add to road safety? 

Ending the monopoly on vehicle inspection is long overdue. – March 24, 2023. 

Rosli Khan reads The Malaysian Insight 

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.


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Comments


  • A damning indictment of MyCC's dereliction of duty.

    Dismantle other monopolies too, eg rice, sugar, etc. Prices of goods will then surely come down!!

    Posted 1 year ago by Malaysian First · Reply