Latest news with #PPKM
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Four firms appointed for private vehicle ownership inspections in Malaysia
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Transport has appointed four companies to conduct Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre (PPKM) services specifically for Change of Ownership Inspections (M.V.15) for private vehicles. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook stated that this move aims to expand inspection service availability and ease public access. Previously, vehicle owners had only one option—PUSPAKOM—for mandatory inspections before selling or buying used cars. With the new appointments, the public can choose from multiple service providers, reducing congestion at existing centres. The four selected companies are Carro Technology Sdn Bhd, Carsome Academy Sdn Bhd, Wawasan Bintang Sdn Bhd, and Beriman Gold Sdn Bhd. The decision follows a Cabinet Meeting agreement in March 2023 to open vehicle inspection services to qualified firms under the Road Transport Act 1987. Each company has 12 months to meet licensing conditions, including a minimum paid-up capital of RM1 million, local ownership, and facility readiness. The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will monitor compliance before granting operating licenses. Key requirements include infrastructure development, inspection equipment, MySIKAP system integration, and JPJ-accredited inspectors. Companies involved in used car sales must maintain dedicated inspection lanes and staff, adhering to ISO/IEC 17020:2012 standards. Loke emphasised that expanding PPKM services promotes competition and improves inspection quality for road safety. The shift from a single-player concession to a multi-licensing system aligns with current policies. The ministry may also consider mandatory motorcycle inspections for ownership transfers in the future. - Bernama
Barnama
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Barnama
Four Companies Appointed For Change Of Ownership Inspection For Private Vehicles
GENERAL PUTRAJAYA, July 16 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has appointed four companies to implement Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre (PPKM) services with a specific function for the Change of Ownership Inspection (M.V.15) for private vehicles. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the appointment of the four companies to implement the M.V.15 inspection is one of MOT's efforts to increase the supply of vehicle ownership inspection services in the market. He said the initiative would also make it easier for the public to obtain vehicle ownership inspection services without having to crowd at the existing PPKM which also conducts periodic inspections of heavy vehicles. "Previously, any vehicle owner who wants to sell car, or buy a used car, must send the vehicle for verification before the transfer of ownership is allowed. "Now they only have one option, which is to go to the Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centre (PUSPAKOM), so by opening a new market, it will further facilitate the process of transferring vehicle ownership because the public can go to any company premises that offers this service," he said in a press conference here today. According to Loke, the appointment of the four companies was made in accordance with the decision of the Cabinet Meeting on March 17, 2023 which had agreed to open motor vehicle inspection services required under the Road Transport Act 1987 [Act 333] to other qualified companies. The four companies appointed are Carro Technology Sdn Bhd; Carsome Academy Sdn Bhd; Wawasan Bintang Sdn Bhd; and Beriman Gold Sdn Bhd. Loke said all the companies were given 12 months to make preparations based on the conditions set out in the Guidelines for Granting PPKM Licenses M.V.15. "During this period, JPJ will carry out continuous monitoring and the Operating License will only be granted after the company concerned meets all regulatory requirements and equipment requirements and is ready to commence operations," he said.
The Star
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
New vehicle inspection centres to open soon, says Transport Minister
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians can expect new privately-run vehicle inspection centres to start operations in the coming months, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said that his ministry has appointed four companies to conduct ownership transfer inspections for private vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre (PPKM) initiative. Loke added that the move is part of the government's effort to ease congestion at existing Puspakom facilities, which currently hold a monopoly on such inspections. "This is a new initiative by the Transport Ministry to introduce additional Motor Vehicle Inspection Centres specifically for ownership transfer inspections involving private vehicles,' he said. "The appointment of these new centres is one of our efforts to increase the availability of ownership transfer inspection services in the market and reduce congestion at existing PPKM outlets," he added at a press conference on Wednesday (July 16). The four companies appointed are Carro Technology Sdn Bhd, Carsome Academy Sdn Bhd, Wawasan Bintang Sdn Bhd, and Beriman Gold Sdn Bhd. He said they were selected out of seven firms initially offered to participate in the nationwide implementation of this new policy. While the appointments are conditional, Loke said some firms have expressed readiness to begin operations earlier than the given timeline. "We have granted them 12 months to prepare their facilities in line with the operational guidelines. "However, we understand that some companies are ready to begin within three months, and if so, we are prepared to issue licences within that timeframe," he said. Loke explained that the inspections under the ownership transfer inspection (M.V.15) category are relatively simple and involve basic checks such as verifying chassis numbers. "These ownership transfer inspections are straightforward. However, when conducted at Puspakom alongside heavy vehicle inspections, even in separate lanes, they contribute to overall congestion. "That is why we decided to open up the market to more players," he said. Loke said the latest appointments mark a shift towards a multi-operator licensing system, departing from the previous single-operator concession model. "What we've done is break the monopoly. Users now have choices other than Puspakom," Loke said. According to him, all newly appointed companies must comply with strict requirements under the ISO/IEC 17020:2012 standards and integrate with the MySIKAP system before commencing operations. The Road Transport Department (JPJ) must also approve their facilities, he said. Loke added that the expansion of PPKM services is expected to boost healthy competition and improve the overall quality of vehicle inspections, thereby enhancing road safety for all users. While the current initiative focuses solely on private cars, Loke said the government may consider expanding mandatory ownership transfer inspections to motorcycles in the future. Loke added that there are over nine million motorcycles registered in the system. 'At the moment, we do not require inspections for motorcycle ownership transfers, but we will assess the need, especially given the risk of stolen motorcycles being sold without verification,' he said.
The Star
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Cautious outlook for retail sector in 2H25
PETALING JAYA: Industry experts remain cautious about the outlook for Malaysia's retail industry in the second half of 2025 (2H25), amid ongoing global and domestic pressures. Malaysia Shopping Malls Association president Phang Sau Lian noted that geopolitical tensions and tariff wars have redirected more foreign businesses and goods to Malaysia. 'While this presents opportunities, it also intensifies competition. Local retailers and mall operators must improve competitiveness and productivity to stay resilient,' she told StarBiz. Domestically, Phang said the rising cost of doing business continues to weigh heavily on the sector. 'The upcoming expansion of the sales and service tax (SST) next month to cover rental and leasing of commercial spaces, construction services, beauty services and selected food items is particularly concerning. 'These areas are core to mall operations and tenant services. The added tax burden could lead to margin erosion, delayed tenancy, higher consumer prices and, ultimately, inflationary pressure across the retail sector.' Malaysia Shopping Malls Association (PPKM) president Phang Sau Lian hopes to bring more new players and brands into local retail market Phang said additional cost pressures from electricity tariff hikes, higher minimum wages and subsidy removals are forcing many retailers and mall operators to cut back on marketing and expansion plans, which will impact overall mall vibrancy. 'At the same time, concerns are rising over the labour market, especially with recent announcements of staff layoffs by key companies like Petroliam Nasional Bhd, which could reduce consumer confidence and spending,' Phang said. Sunway Malls chief executive officer HC Chan concurred that businesses will adopt a cautious stand, given that cost pressures remain elevated, in particular due to the expanded SST and a host ofupcoming national rationalisation measures. 'Certainly, consumer sentiment is foreseen to be continuously muted and subdued, given the heavy presence of uncertainty. It is certainly a very challenging time for all. 'However, there are bright spots in the retail sub-sectors, as some Asia-based intellectual property-related toys and homegrown food and beverage (F&B) brands have shown resilience and bucked the trend. 'They have fared tremendously well and registered high growth. These categories are expected to continue to drive retail sales performance.' On the sector's performance so far, Phang said the retail industry began 2025 on a cautious footing. 'Chinese New Year sales were softer due to the short festive gap following Christmas and year-end promotions, limiting consumer spending recovery. 'Hari Raya sales also fell below expectations, as many households prioritised back-to-school expenses that coincided with the festive season, tightening overall disposable income.' Chan concurred that businesses will remain cautious, especially with cost pressures staying elevated – notably due to the expanded SST and a host of upcoming national rationalisation measures. Phang said a major challenge has been the continued rise of unregulated online platforms offering ultra-low prices without the same tax or compliance obligations, putting physical retailers at a disadvantage. 'At the same time, the rising cost of doing business – driven by electricity tariff hikes, subsidy rationalisation and higher wage commitments – has placed significant pressure on profit margins, particularly for small and mid-sized retailers.' She added that global uncertainties such as tariff hikes and supply chain disruptions have further impacted business strategies, prompting a shift toward market diversification and operational efficiency. 'Despite these challenges, retail segments such as F&B, entertainment and lifestyle experiences have remained resilient, particularly in malls that have invested in asset enhancement, refreshed tenant mix, targeted consumer engagement activities and continuous effective marketing programmes.' On the performance of the retail industry in 1H25, Chan said the sector faced strong headwinds from two fronts, namely rising business costs and lacklustre consumer spending, both of which had dampened retail performance. 'With Chinese New Year falling earlier in January, the shortened sales period and the lower-than-expected Hari Raya sales performance had left the retail sector without much buffer or room to manoeuvre. 'As the second quarter saw the escalation of the tariff wars, the volatility and uncertainty sent shockwaves across the globe, fuelling further cutbacks on discretionary spending by corporations and consumers,' he said. Nevertheless, Chan said Malaysia's tourism sector has been a bright spot for the country and a boon for the retail industry. 'There has been a 21% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in visitor arrivals for the first four months of this year. This has been a major catalyst. 'Sunway Malls is seeing some benefits of these arrivals, depending on the mall's locality, with Sunway Velocity Mall seeing a large influx of Chinese travellers.' For Sunway Putra Mall, Chan said the group is seeing a significant increase in Indian travellers, as well as other nationalities at its Sunway Pyramid mall. 'However, the retail industry is predominantly driven by domestic consumption. Tourism (impact) is still very location-specific,' he says. Phang also acknowledged that Malaysia recorded a strong increase in tourist arrivals in early 2025, with 6.7 million international visitors in the first two months alone - a 31.3% y-o-y increase. 'This growth has been supported by visa-free access for Chinese nationals and continued visa exemptions for Asean and selected Western countries. 'While the increase in arrivals is encouraging, the boost to retail spending has been moderate and selective.' Phang noted that malls located in prime tourism zones – such as city centres, hotel districts and border-entry areas – have seen some uplift, particularly in categories like wellness, souvenirs and F&B. 'However, the overall impact on nationwide retail has been limited. There are two main reasons: first, a substantial number of Malaysians are travelling overseas and they tend to spend more while abroad, diverting domestic consumption. 'Second, not all tourist arrivals translate into meaningful spending. Many are short-stay visitors or budget-conscious travellers. 'In short, while tourist arrivals have improved, the retail sector has seen only modest gains, concentrated mainly in key tourist areas. 'Broader retail growth is still driven by domestic demand,' she concluded.
