Transport ministry committed to empower land public transport sector

PUTRAJAYA: The Transport Ministry and related departments and agencies are committed to empower the country's land public transport sector.
Minister Anthony Loke Siew Foo, who reported for his first day at the ministry last Tuesday, said various measures and mechanisms had and would be taken to strengthen the sector.
"This is in line with the commitment of the Pakatan Harapan government to strengthen and reform government institutions in an effort to enhance integrity, transparency and efficiency in public service," he said in a statement, here today.
In his first week as Transport Minister, Loke conducted working visits to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Road Safety Department (JKJR) to gain information, hold discussions and exchange views.
He said several positive approaches and future directions of JPJ and JKJR were summarised as a result of the visits, including implementation of the e-bidding system for vehicle owners to buy special registration numbers.
He said no more special registration numbers would be issued to any non-governmental organisations or welfare bodies.
In addition he said all levels of driving test would be evaluated through an automated system and it was proposed that dashboard cameras be installed in all test cars.
On the dissolution of the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) as announced by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Wednesday, Loke gave assurances that no SPAD permanent staff would lose their job.
"I also wish to reiterate that all SPAD operations will run as usual but the agency will now be under the supervision of the Transport Ministry. We will inform on the latest information from time to time," he said.
On road safety which is his top priority, Loke said JKJR would focus on promotional strategies and advocacy programmes for youths, especially motorcyclists. — Bernama