
He said the extension was one of several proposals industry players made to the ministry. He added that it was appropriate given that many driving school vehicles had been unused for two years during the Covid-19 lockdown.
“However, the ministry will not compromise when it comes to safety,” Loke said at the third annual general meeting of the Malaysian Driving Institute Operators Association in Putrajaya today.
He also announced that new driving school vehicles will now be exempt from Puspakom inspections for their first two years.
He said the exemption was to encourage driving schools to upgrade their vehicles regularly and improve the quality of service.
“For the subsequent years, up to the tenth year, mandatory inspection is only required once a year,” he added.
“These two policy improvements, which I have announced as my commitment to help the industry, will be implemented.
“However, it will take some time to integrate the system. Give us a few weeks or two months at most.”
Loke said driving schools had also asked to be allowed to administer the road transport department’s (JPJ) computerised KPP01 theory test independently, but he said it was not possible at this time.
“I know that in 2018, I had suggested that driving schools be allowed to do this. I have not forgotten my promise.
“It’s just that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has a different view and has asked us to be cautious when amending this policy, as it could lead to leakages,” he said, adding that the JPJ was drafting up an SOP to move this forward.
Currently, all learner drivers must attend a five-hour KPP01 course administered by the JPJ.
Meanwhile, Loke also said the shortage of commercial vehicle drivers was worrying given that the country was still recovering from the pandemic.
He said he would be launching a programme next week to encourage more people to obtain their goods vehicle driving licences.
“We are currently lacking hundreds of bus drivers, just for Rapid, let alone private operators and express buses.
“Prasarana Malaysia Berhad alone needs an additional 500 to 700 drivers to start immediately,” he said.