SHAH ALAM: Four officers from the Wangsa Maju branch of the Voluntary Vehicle Inspection Centre, commonly known as Puspakom, have been called to provide statements as part of an investigation into allegations that vehicles were approved despite not meeting required standards.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Puspakom’s chief executive officer, Mahmood Razak Bahman, confirmed that the officers were summoned to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) in Putrajaya. The summons involved two officers who approved the vehicles and two others who were responsible for failing the inspections. Mahmood Razak clarified that two individuals had already given statements on December 30, 2024, accompanied by a regional manager, while the other two were interviewed today.

Mahmood Razak, speaking at a press conference in Puspakom Shah Alam, stated that no summons had been received from JPJ, despite the ongoing operation known as Op Mengejut, now in its third day. He refuted claims that seven vehicles were seized within Puspakom premises, explaining that only one vehicle was seized at the Wangsa Maju branch and that 104 vehicles seized in Perak had not yet been inspected. The operation has seen raids on numerous Puspakom branches, including 43 on December 30 and 42 the following day, with further inspections in Glenmarie and Seremban.

The CEO expressed satisfaction with the statements provided by the personnel involved and emphasized that any wrongdoing, including corruption, would be met with strict actions ranging from verbal warnings to dismissal for severe infractions. Mahmood Razak reiterated Puspakom’s commitment to cooperating with JPJ to enhance road safety and maintain the integrity of the transportation system. He welcomed collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) in monitoring workshops suspected of renting commercial vehicle components, pledging compliance with new directives.

In a separate statement, Mahmood Razak revealed that approximately eight per cent of heavy vehicles fail inspections annually at Puspakom, out of an average of 2.8 million vehicle inspections. He identified brakes, tyres, and the overall vehicle system as primary issues, noting that repeated use naturally leads to tyre problems.