Commercial drivers can now get health checks at 500 clinics with RM30 subsidised screening fee under new digital programme.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Healthy and Safe Drivers Programme (PSS) for commercial vehicle drivers has been digitally integrated into the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) mySIKAP system at 500 Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) panel clinics.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the initiative, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) and the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), eliminates the need for physical health examination forms when renewing Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and Goods Driving Licence (GDL) licences.
He said RM12.4 million had been allocated for the programme, comprising RM7 million from PERKESO and RM5.4 million from the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
“Under the initial phase, 30,000 eligible commercial vehicle drivers will undergo comprehensive health screening by paying a subsidised fee of RM30, compared with the original cost of about RM80 to RM100. The balance will be borne by PERKESO.
“Doctors at panel clinics will verify and upload health reports directly into the system integrated with mySIKAP, making the process easier, faster and more transparent,” he told reporters after launching the programme here today.
Also present were Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, PERKESO chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, and PERKESO chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.
Loke said the initial phase targets drivers aged between 40 and 59 due to their higher health risks.
He said the early intervention was necessary as fatalities involving commercial vehicle users rose 22.3% to 115 cases in 2025.
The programme is open to active PERKESO contributors holding PSV E (Bus), GDL E (Rigid) or GDL E (Articulated) vocational licences. It includes physical and mental health assessments, microsleep screening and HbA1c tests for drivers with diabetes.
Meanwhile, Ramanan said fatigue, drowsiness, work-related stress and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) had been identified as the main factors contributing to accidents involving commercial vehicle drivers.
He said PERKESO statistics showed lorry drivers recorded the highest number of fatalities last year, accounting for 62 of the 115 deaths.
“We cannot wait until accidents happen before taking action. A more responsible approach is to identify risk factors early and ensure that only drivers who are genuinely fit are on the road,” he said.
In a separate development, commenting on public feedback on the Shah Alam Light Rail Transit (LRT) service frequency, Loke said the current 7.5-minute peak-hour interval was introduced as an initial measure.
“The 7.5-minute frequency is intended to assess passenger usage trends first. The operating schedule and service frequency will be reviewed after one month. If there is a significant increase in passenger numbers, Prasarana will revise the schedule accordingly,” he said.
