In a statement, Puspakom CEO Mahmood Razak Bahaman said that the agency’s checks cover not just brakes, but also vehicle’s tyres, chassis, engine, exhaust emissions, suspension, steering, lighting, and windows.
Mahmood said commercial and public service vehicles are inspected every six months under road transport department (JPJ) regulations. The process follows standards set by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, which are widely used globally.
Mahmood was responding to recent public statements after the Bukit Kajang toll plaza crash which suggested that vehicle inspections focus only on brake systems and thus, might not be effective in preventing incidents involving heavy vehicles.
“For the benefit of public clarity and road safety stakeholders, it is important to address these misconceptions with facts,” he said.
“After certification, a vehicle’s condition may evolve due to external and operational factors, which falls outside the inspection environment.”
Mahmood said even vehicles that passed inspection could face risks later on due to external and operational factors. These include overloading, poor cargo distribution, challenging road conditions, extreme weather, inadequate maintenance, and natural wear of components between inspection cycles.
He said such risks highlight that technical compliance alone cannot guarantee ongoing road safety. Regular upkeep and responsible practices are essential once a vehicle leaves the inspection centre, he noted.
Mahmood also said driver competency is another crucial element in ensuring safety. This includes proper recruitment, licensing, health checks, and continuous training to maintain high standards behind the wheel.
He said fleet operators also played a major role by ensuring drivers were carefully screened, responsibly managed, and consistently monitored throughout their service.
Defensive driving skills are particularly important for heavy vehicle drivers, who must be trained to anticipate hazards, control speed on slopes, keep safe distances, and handle emergencies using techniques such as engine braking, gear selection, and controlled manoeuvres, added Mahmood.