6 Puspakom officers suspended after being nabbed by MACC

 

Puspakom said the six officers were arrested for allegedly being involved in a syndicate that conducted unauthorised vehicle inspections. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The six Puspakom vehicle inspectors who were arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) have been suspended from their duties.

In a statement, Puspakom said the six officers were arrested for allegedly being involved in a syndicate that conducted unauthorised vehicle inspections, adding that they were nabbed following testimony given by an agent who was questioned by the MACC.

Puspakom CEO Mahmood Razak Bahman said the agency would not tolerate any misconduct within the organisation, especially if it involved the integrity of the company’s vehicle inspection operations.

“The six staff members have been suspended effective immediately to ensure that the MACC’s investigation can proceed transparently and smoothly,” he said.

“As I have reiterated several times, Puspakom will not compromise on any criminal acts of corruption.

“If there is evidence of wrongdoing, we will not hesitate to take stern action against any staff member involved in such activities, including those who collude with syndicates and conduct unauthorised vehicle inspections.”

Earlier today, a MACC source said the anti-graft agency arrested eight people, including six vehicle inspection officers, in connection with a case involving heavy vehicle inspections at a Kuala Lumpur Puspakom centre.

An MACC source said the male suspects, aged between 30 and 50, were arrested yesterday while they were giving their statements at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.

The six vehicle inspection officers were released on MACC bail after their statements were recorded while the two other individuals were remanded for five days to facilitate further investigations.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya confirmed the arrests when contacted.

Puspakom is Malaysia’s first and only comprehensive national vehicle inspection company, appointed in 1994 by the government to undertake all mandatory inspections for both commercial and private vehicles.

Last March, transport minister Loke Siew Fook said Puspakom would no longer be the sole provider of vehicle inspection services after its concession ends on August 31, 2024.

More than 10 companies have applied for licences to conduct vehicle inspections as of Jan 2. - FMT