Puspakom tests ‘baffling’

Lorry operator claims results on his vehicle inconsistent

KLANG: A lorry operator is questioning the competency of Puspakom’s inspection staff and its vehicle testing equipment, alleging “inconsistent” results on his vehicle.

R. Murugan said his lorry failed the Puspakom test on the first attempt, but then passed a second inspection only hours later.

He said he had taken his onetonne lorry to the Puspakom branch in Padang Jawa for the mandatory half-yearly inspection on Monday, but the vehicle failed a sideslip test.

“That test was to check on the alignment, although I had my lorry checked the day before,” he said, showing a workshop receipt.

Murugan said he was told to send his lorry for another inspection using a different lane. “This time, it passed,” he said. “It’s baffling.”

Murugan said this was not the first time he had experienced this.

“I went through a similar experience when I took my lorry in for inspection in April and October 2010 at the same branch.”

He claimed that one personnel failed him for a “registration fault” while another made him tear off the window tints.

“I went back to my dealer to enquire over the registration fault, and he showed evidence of it being correctly done.

“The Road Transport Department (JPJ) also wrote to Puspakom to tell them that my registration was done correctly,” said Murugan.

Puspakom CEO Mohammed Shukor Ismail said it was standard operating procedure to calibrate the machines annually while the centre’s staff underwent regular training and certification.

He said Murugan should provide Puspakom with more details.