Loke said that the vehicle inspection industry was now open to any company, and that a free market allows other firms to apply to provide vehicle inspection services.

“Previously, only one company (Puspakom) was given exclusive rights to provide this service, and there were many complaints (about this monopoly).

“We have since opened the market, creating competition and giving more choices to consumers,” he told reporters after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony of Exio Logistics Hub here today.

Loke also dismissed criticism that the three firms were “inexperienced”, saying there were no companies with experience in vehicle inspection as Puspakom used to have a monopoly of the industry.

He reiterated that the three companies were not the only ones eligible and that others could also apply to provide the services.

“Can you name me one company that has experience in vehicle inspections? There isn’t because it was a monopoly. Why is no one questioning how Puspakom was established back then without prior experience?” he said.

Putrajaya appointed Wawasan Bintang, Pakatan Petroleum, and Beriman Gold to carry out motor vehicle inspections alongside Puspakom, which will continue operating as usual.

A former PAS Youth leader had questioned the selection of one of the companies, arguing that it was only eight months old and had no track record.

The ministry later said a specific registration period with the Companies Commission of Malaysia was not a requirement for appointment.

Loke today accused certain parties of politicising the issue instead of supporting the government’s move to break up the monopoly.

“Some people are deliberately twisting the facts. There was no contract awarded (to the three companies), yet they claim there is cronyism.

“If you don’t like a certain company, don’t use it. Stop politicising everything. When it was a monopoly, nobody said anything,” he added.