Wee pays tribute to JPJ as it marks 74 years of service

PETALING JAYA: Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has thanked the Road Transport Department (JPJ) for all its services as the agency celebrated its 74th anniversary.

“JPJ, which is one of the agencies under the Transport Ministry, has always been committed in upholding road transport laws in our country,” he said via Facebook yesterday.

JPJ was formed on April 1, 1946, with the aim of coordinating all aspects of transportation throughout the country.

Dr Wee said they would not be celebrating JPJ’s anniversary because of Covid-19 and the movement control order (MCO).

“However, the services and sacrifices of all JPJ personnel are always remembered by all of us.

“Thank you to all JPJ personnel throughout the country, whether they are still serving or have retired, for the strong commitment in building the trust and responsibility for the community and the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Wee added that his ministry had received 100 applications from 40 logistics companies to deliver essentials to Singapore.

He said the ministry was aware of the difficulties faced by the transport operators.

“That’s why when issues arose because of the difficulties commercial vehicles faced when crossing borders in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, we at the ministry quickly resolved it,” said Dr Wee.

Commercial vehicles with expired road tax are not allowed to enter Singapore following the implementation of the MCO.

Singapore’s Land Transport Authority requires that commercial vehicles have a valid road tax before issuing them their monthly permits to enter Singapore.

The ministry had said that it would allow the registration for companies with approval for the delivery of essential items to Singapore by submitting applications to JPJ’s vehicle licensing department.

The ministry said the application would be streamlined with the Puspakom vehicle inspection and the vehicle permit issuance by the Land Public Transport Agency, if necessary.

The companies must furnish the following documents:

> The number and licence plate of vehicles with expired road tax that will be used;

> The confirmation of goods to be delivered and its related information (for example, purchase order or invoice); and

> Written approval letter from the International Trade and Industry Ministry for movement during the MCO, under the essential services category.

The Transport Ministry added that appointments would be made for eligible applicants.

All applications are to be made via email to lkmpkp@jpj.gov.my and would take one to two weeks for approval.