Puspakom Blocks Multiple Slot Bookings to Stop Runners from Overcharging
Puspakom Blocks Multiple Slot Bookings to Stop Runners from Overcharging
Puspakom recently announced that it will no longer allow multiple bookings for the same vehicle number plate. This decision aims to stop middlemen and ‘runners’ who have been selling inspection slots for a big profit. How much profit are they making? According to a report by the New Straits Times, some runners are charging up to RM750 per slot, even though the actual booking fee is only RM3.50. Puspakom’s CEO, Mahmood Razak Bahman, explained that these intermediaries are earning around 200 times the original price by selling multiple inspection appointments. One common trick they use is booking multiple slots using the same chassis number but with different vehicle registration numbers. Puspakom is still investigating this issue with help from the road transport department (JPJ). Mahmood Razak said they are looking into who is involved and why they are doing this. Those responsible will be called in for questioning. To prevent further abuse, Puspakom is also upgrading its booking system. If a customer postpones an appointment, the original slot will be frozen to stop it from being misused or resold. Meanwhile, JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the department is working with agencies like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to take action against these runners. However, tracking them down has been difficult. “So far, despite our efforts, we haven’t been able to contact them. We are now looking into other ways to find them,” he added. The public is advised to follow official procedures as authorities work to improve the booking system and enforcement measures.
Japan