Transport Minister Anthony Loke (third from left) handing over the operational licence to Puspakom CEO Mahmood Razak Bahman. Also present were Puspakom COO Ahmad Zahiri Ismail (left) and Ministry of Transport secretary-general Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan.

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 2): The Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom Sdn Bhd), has begun its operations as the country’s first motor vehicle inspection licensee under the new mechanism of the Road Transport Act (Act 333), following the conclusion of its 30-year concession as the sole provider of vehicle inspection services.

The transition, effective from Sept 1, ushers Puspakom into a competitive market, a shift from its previous exclusive role as the provider of vehicle inspection.

In a statement on Monday, Puspakom said the organisation has developed a comprehensive future plan aimed at enhancing its services, including customer service upgrades, the introduction of new products and services, and the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI).

Puspakom chief executive officer Mahmood Razak Bahman said through the combination of the AI, it can make its service more efficient and can return productivity hours to its customer, while making available more inspection slots to the market.

“Puspakom is proud to be the nation’s first vehicle inspection licensee, and we remain committed to our mission of ensuring safer road transportation through rigorous vehicle inspections,” Mahmood said.

In addition, Puspakom said it has also commenced a pilot programme for extended operational hours at its Glenmarie branch in Shah Alam, operating two shifts to better understand operational challenges and customer needs.

According to Puspakom, the extended operating hours will be rolled out in key market areas following a successful pilot and analysis of the collected data. The pilot phase in Glenmarie will conclude on Jan 3, 2025.

"Today, with the deployment of technology as well as better workflow, on average we complete inspections in 34 minutes. MOT [Ministry of Transport Malaysia] and JPJ's [Road Transport Department] trust represent a significant recognition, and Puspakom remains committed to providing the best-in-class service despite now facing new players in the vehicle inspection industry,” Mahmood added.

Recall, in March last year, it was announced that Puspakom would no longer have a monopoly on motor vehicle inspection services from Sept 1, 2024, with the government having decided to open up the segment to other qualified companies once Puspakom’s current concession comes to an end on Aug 31.