Kuala lumpur: Drivers seeking to renew their vocational licences are now required to undergo a comprehensive health screening under the Healthy and Safe Driver Programme (PSS) at 500 panel clinics nationwide, stated Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the screening includes physical examinations, vision and hearing tests, assessments for sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, and evaluations of key bodily functions including the cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological systems. Additionally, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) blood tests will be administered to drivers who need them. The initiative aims to detect health problems early to provide prompt treatment and intervention, rather than inconvenience drivers.

Under this initiative, drivers are only required to pay RM30 for the health screening, with the remaining RM55 subsidized by the MADANI Government through the Social Security Organisation (Socso). Minister Ramanan mentioned during the launch of the PSS that the ministry plans to expand the programme to 3,000 panel clinics nationwide to allow more drivers to access the health screenings.

The programme is part of the ongoing commitment of the Ministry of Human Resources and the Ministry of Transport to enhance road safety and protect the welfare of workers, particularly professional drivers who are vital to the country's transport sector. In 2025, 115 workers were killed in road accidents, a rise from 94 cases in the previous year. The fatalities spanned various categories of workers reliant on roads, including lorry, bus, van, and car drivers, as well as motorcyclists. Notably, lorry drivers accounted for the highest number of fatalities with 62 cases, representing 21 percent of the total deaths.