Pima president Mat Aris Bakar said the fees which range from RM1,800 to RM3,000 for services in cities like Kuala Lumpur also have to take into consideration increased costs such as salaries, vehicle maintenance and special package provisions, including life insurance.

He said the public should in fact be concerned if packages are offered at low prices as these might not comply with the safety requirements stipulated by the road transport department (JPJ).

“We are worried that driving institutes cannot provide the best service if they compete at low prices.

“Cars (for driver training) cannot be replaced or maintained with less capital. The service, if cheap, may not be perfect or comfortable, and customers will become victims,” he told FMT.

He said that in rural areas, there are fewer residents so the cost of training is not an issue.

“Workers’ salaries may still be RM1,500,” he added. “Yet, in the city, it is not possible because the average salary is RM3,000 and above.”

The issue arose after a viral video uploaded by a local celebrity who claimed that a driving institute had charged more than RM3,000 for driving lessons.

Gerakan Youth then urged the government to address such concerns, calling on transport minister Loke Siew Fook to intervene and take immediate action.

Mat Aris said the packages offered usually include life insurance, food and drinks and transport services for candidates.

“JPJ allows us to charge RM1 for every 1km to pick up candidates. It also depends on the type of car used, because some driving institutes charge high prices but offer professional services,” he said.

“For example, some insurance provides coverage of up to RM10,000, some RM30,000… some provide coverage for up to a year for any incident involving newly licensed drivers.”

He also said that drivers in Malaysia were fortunate to have better driving classes than offered in neighbouring countries.

“Prospective drivers in Malaysia are fortunate because not all countries can provide such services.

“In some countries, the government still provides driving test sites, but in others driving lessons are only conducted on public roads,” he said, giving the example of Thailand.