Elmina: The government has not yet granted operational licenses to three companies designated to conduct services as Motor Vehicle Inspection Centres (PPKM) in the first phase, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. These companies have received conditional approval starting last week, with a two-year timeline to meet infrastructure requirements.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Loke emphasized that no contracts have been awarded, and the government has not incurred any financial obligations towards these companies. “We do not pay a single cent to these companies. All this requires investment from them to purchase land and machines, build workshops and so on… there are no financial implications for the government,” Loke stated during a press conference following the Exio Logistics Hub groundbreaking ceremony in Elmina.

The minister was responding to concerns over the appointment of the three companies, which have been criticized for allegedly lacking experience in providing PPKM services and potential cronyism. Loke argued that the vehicle inspection industry had been previously monopolized by a single entity, leaving no opportunity for other companies to gain experience.

Loke pointed out that the industry was historically dominated by the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom), established in 1994, which itself lacked prior experience. The government is now opening up the industry to foster competition and involve more companies in vehicle inspections.

The three newly appointed companies-Wawasan Bintang Sdn Bhd, Pakatan Petroleum Sdn Bhd, and Beriman Gold Sdn Bhd-are expected to operate in various locations across Malaysia. Wawasan Bintang Sdn Bhd will cover Port Klang, Selangor, Gua Musang in Kelantan, and Mersin in Johor. Pakatan Petroleum Sdn Bhd has been assigned Rawang, Selangor, and Temerloh, Pahang. Beriman Gold Sdn Bhd will operate in Kuching and Serian in Sarawak.

These companies have been tasked with fulfilling the infrastructure requirements within two years, while the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will conduct continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with PPKM operational standards. Operational licenses will only be issued once the companies meet all regulatory requirements and are equipped to commence operations.