No need for runners if services improve at Puspakom, says lorry operators group

PETALING JAYA: Puspakom must conduct an internal audit to find out why runners are allowed to make multiple bookings and sell these slots at exorbitant prices.

Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Lorry Operators Association secretary-general Alvin Choong said it was up to Puspakom to do this as it schedules vehicle inspections and records the chassis numbers.

Puspakom, he said, had all the relevant details and should bear responsibility to ensure the vehicles are inspected accordingly instead of blaming agents or intermediaries.

“Come out with solutions to stop such alleged malpractices instead of pointing fingers elsewhere,” he said when contacted yesterday.

He said vehicle owners would not need to turn to intermediaries if they were not given the runaround when dealing with Puspakom.

“Puspakom should set up a centre to look into the needs of vehicle owners.

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“There have been times when vehicle owners were given the runaround which is very frustrating,” he said, adding that this had led to the use of intermediary services.

He also suggested that Puspakom hold more transparent engagement with end-users to improve its services.

Declining to comment on runners selling the inspection slots for exorbitant fees, Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali said he had been informed that the matter was being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

He, however, lauded the self-declaration initiative, describing it as an excellent move to instil greater accountability among commercial vehicle owners.

“It will make commercial vehicle operators to be more responsible as they will be making a declaration with regard to their vehicles,” he said, adding that enforcement was key to its success.

Agreeing, Choong said the self-declaration initiative for inspection of items not related to safety for commercial vehicles, was a good move.

This, he said, would prevent Puspakom for failing vehicle inspections for minor issues which could be dealt with warning notices.

The self-declaration initiative, which will allow for faster inspections at Puspakom centres, covers vehicle body lettering, speed signs, first aid kits, registration numbers and the condition of passenger seats for public service vehicles.