Double inspection: Lorry owners cry foul

A new ruling by the RTD has got lorry owners fuming, saying that it is an unecessary financial burden.

SENAWANG: Lorry owners are crying foul over the new Road Transport Department (RTD) ruling that requires them to go for different Puspakom tests, calling it an additional financial burden.

This issue was brought up by Senawang state assemblyman P Gunasekaran (DAP) and Paroi state assemblyman Mohd Taufek Abdul Ghani (PAS) after receiving numerous complaints from lorry drivers in their respective constituencies.

According to them, one and three tonne lorries with aluminium or steel floor covering in the cargo area must undergo a Puspakom inspection costing RM50.

A meat seller, who wished to be known only as Raju, said there was already the mandatory six months inspection which cost RM55.

“Now they (RTD and Puspakom) want us to do another inspection.

“The reason we installed the aluminium or steel floor covering was that we carry ‘wet food’ like mutton, beef, chicken and fish. The original floor is wood,” he said.

‘Separate inspection unnecessary’

Another lorry owner explained that the modification had nothing to do with the engine and therefore a separate inspection was unecessary.

“By installing the aluminium layer, we not only protect our lorries but also ensure that the meat is clean… it’s also easier for us to wash the lorry and maintain hygiene.

“We already spent a large sum of money to install the aluminium cover and now we have to fork out extra for this inspection,” he said.

Meanwhile, Taufek questioned the rationale in having two different inspections when it could be done together during the regular six-month inspection.

Both Taufek and Gunasekaran met the Seremban Puspakom manager who informed them that the ruling was made by RTD.

The state assemblymen also promised to inform Pakatan Rakyat MPs of the problem so that it could be raised in Parliament.