Photo: KK SHAM/ The Star
SHAH ALAM: Renting tyres and temporarily tightening the brakes are among the tactics used by some commercial vehicle owners to deceive Puskapom inspectors.
Puspakom chief executive officer Mahmood Razak Bahman said the situation underscored a significant challenge for Malaysia’s leading vehicle inspector to ensure road safety.
“We inspect vehicles based on their presented condition. We can’t always identify temporary measures like rented tyres.
“These practices make it difficult for Puspakom to ensure vehicles meet safety standards,” he said during a get-together with the media yesterday.
“The prevalence of road accidents shows that safety is not a culture yet in Malaysia.”
Mahmood reiterated that road safety is a collective responsibility that extends beyond Puspakom and regulatory bodies.
“We must realise that road safety is not just about the authorities enforcing the law on you as a vehicle owner. As a road user, you must practice it as well as you have a role to play in fostering a culture of safety,” he said.
Cairil Irwan Amir of DRB-Hicom, Puspakom’s parent company, said that another dangerous habit of motorists is using cheaper, imported second-hand snow tyres
“They are cheaper, but they are not safe. The softer tread compounds can lead to rapid wear and tear due to high temperatures and friction. They are not suitable for Malaysia’s tropical climate,” said the chief communications officer.
Mahmood said Puspakom is still waiting for government approval to increase its service fees which are currently between RM20 and RM90 depending on the vehicle.
“As a committed national service provider, Puspakom is dedicated to operating wherever needed, regardless of the cost.
“Although this has been challenging, having been a concessionaire for 30 years and now a new licensee, Puspakom is determined not to be deterred by low prices.
“The company has applied to the government for a rate increase. Although the timing may not be ideal, the decision ultimately lies with the authorities,” he said.
Despite its financial challenges, Mahmood assured that Puspakom remains committed to its mission.
“Our investments are not overly expensive and we are prepared to continue providing essential services,” he said.
These investments include using artificial intelligence-enhanced (AI) cameras costing around RM8,000 to enhance service delivery.
These cameras can detect and assess various vehicle components for damage and rust, thus reducing inspection time from 10 minutes to one.
“The technology is there; we just have to put it together and apply it,” he said, adding that the centre is about to launch its latest version of Computerised Automated Vehicles Inspection System to enhance efficiency.
AI would be integral to the company’s aim of reducing inspection time from the current 34 to 29 minutes by January 2026.
Mahmood revealed that factors such as runners managing multiple appointments simultaneously could cause congestion.
To shorten the waiting time and reduce reliance on runners, Puspakom is testing extended operating hours until 11pm at certain key locations.
“This initiative allows customers to complete inspections after work, saving time and money,” he said.
