He said the compensation was part of the government’s assistance to the SPAD employees affected by the scrapping of the commission, whose duties have been taken over by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), effective Jan 1, 2019.
Loke said the rate of compensation was based on one month’s salary and according to years of service, with the minimum compensation paid fixed at three months’ salary even if the staff had served for a shorter period.
“Someone received the highest compensation of RM268,000 without income tax deduction,” he said after witnessing the signing of an agreement between the Malaysian government and MASwings Sdn Bhd (MASwings) here today.
Loke said besides paying compensation, his ministry also sought the cooperation of the Public Services Commission and Public Service Department to place former SPAD officers in other posts in the government sector.
The ministry, he added, was also working with government-owned companies, such as Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and Malaysia Airlines, as well as low-cost carrier AirAsia, in giving job opportunities to those affected.
“Out of the 961 former SPAD employees, more than 600 were absorbed into the enforcement division of the Road Transport Department and APAD.
“Meanwhile, 80% of the other 300 were offered jobs on Jan 2 and the rest will get offers by the end of this month, the latest.”
Loke said he was disappointed with claims that some were not getting jobs, with some carrying protest placards to the SPAD office.
“I appeal to them to be patient as the government is trying its best to solve the problem.
“Where in the history of the previous government were workers of a disbanded government agency given other jobs and compensation?”
Meanwhile, the transport ministry said all operator licence applications under the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715) will be processed by APAD from Jan 7.
It said all regulations and application procedures stipulated earlier would still be in effect.
In this regard, the ministry said the commercial vehicle application process and licencing by APAD will start at APAD counters in Kelana Jaya, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu and Penang.
APAD counters are also provided at state Road Transport Department (JPJ) counters in the peninsula.
“However, the operation will only involve cash transactions. APAD will continue with the procedure and process for the application and licencing used by SPAD during the transition period until informed otherwise,” it said.
APAD deputy director-general (Operations) Azlan Shah Parames Albakri has been appointed to carry out all functions, responsibilities and powers of APAD director-general, as provided under Act 715, from Jan 3 to a date when the post is officially filled.