LOKE: WE WILL IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Ministry to boost transparency, says new minister
EFFORTS to empower the land public transport sector will continue to be championed by the Transport Ministry as well as related departments and agencies.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who reported for his first day of work last Tuesday, said measures and mechanisms had and would be taken to strengthen the sector.
“This is in line with the commitment of the Pakatan Harapan government to strengthen and reform government institutions to boost integrity, transparency and efficiency in the public service.”
Loke conducted working visits to the Road Transport Department and Road Safety Department to gain information, hold discussions and exchange views.
He said both departments’ positive approaches and future directions were summarised, including the implementation of an e-bidding system for vehicle owners to buy special registration numbers.
He said no special registration numbers would be issued to any non-governmental organisation or welfare body anymore.
Loke said all levels of driving tests would be evaluated via an automated system, adding that it was proposed for dashboard cameras to be installed in test cars.
On the dissolution of the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), which was announced by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Wednesday, Loke said no permanent SPAD staff would lose their jobs.
“I reiterate that all SPAD operations will run as usual, but the agency will be under the supervision of the Transport Ministry.
“We will announce the latest information from time to time.”
On road safety, Loke said the Road Safety Department would focus on promotions and advocacy programmes for youth, especially motorcyclists.