Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan believes that Vehicle Inspection Service Providers (VISPs) should be allowed to offer repair work on vehicles sent to their centres, as reported by NST. While he commends the guidelines issued by the Transport Ministry for potential VISPs as solid, he emphasises that allowing repair work at these centres could save vehicle owners time and inconvenience.
Drawing from his experience in the United Kingdom, Wan Agyl highlights how vehicle owners there are required to undergo annual inspections before renewing road tax and insurance. In the UK, inspection centres provide a checklist of necessary repairs, streamlining the process for vehicle owners.
Wan Agyl suggests that Malaysia could adopt a similar approach, gradually allowing VISPs to offer repair options after focusing on vehicle inspection first. He emphasises the importance of proper audits, stringent monitoring, and heavy penalties to prevent potential abuse when inspection and repair work are conducted under one roof.
With many people going to travel long distances later this month as they balik kampung to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri or go on holidays during the festive holiday period, there will be a need to ensure that vehicles are in a safe running condition.
While it may not be necessary to have the vehicle serviced if it is not due, a safety inspection would be good to carry out. Safety inspections are available at many companies and PUSPAKOM is also offering free Vehicle Inspections for owners of private vehicles. This Free Vehicle Inspection initiative is available between April 10 and 20, 2023.
Buying a used car always carries with it a risk. Having been owned and used by one or more people before, its condition can vary. If you’re lucky, the previous owner or owners looked after it well and had it regularly services so it is in good condition. But there are also unlucky used-car buyers who end up with a problematic car and wish that it had been inspected professionally earlier.
myTukar, the digital pre-owned car ecosystem across the Asia-Pacific region, understands this concern of buyers and has introduced myTukar Certified for reassurance. This technology-backed stamp of assurance certification for used cars is fully transparent and backed by detailed information and standardised inspections.
According to a recent report from a stakeholder survey conducted every 2 years by Audi, vehicle safety is ranked as the highest priority by customers. This being the case, PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) – which represents the German brand in Malaysia – has initiated its #ReadyToDrive campaign with a focus on safety and reliability.
The #ReadyToDrive campaign, which will be on during the months of October, November and December 2022, offers a comprehensive package that can give peace of mind to Audi owners. There’s a complimentary 30-point vehicle condition check for owners who have not visited an authorised Audi Centre in the past 12 months and for convenience, the dealerships will provide complimentary pick-up and delivery service.
Malaysians are on the roads again, motoring all over the country after having been stuck in their own states for a long time due to cross-border travelling not being permitted. While it was unpleasant and even distressing, it was necessary to try to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
With the end of restrictions, we can now go anywhere we want (unless a specific area is under an Enhanced Movement Control Order) and with the end of the year coming up as well as the festive season starting, many will be on the highways.
Such long-distance travelling means that the vehicle should be in a proper running condition to avoid breakdowns that can really spoil a holiday or balik kampung journey. A breakdown will cause delays and inconvenience, but failure of brakes could result in an accident, which will be serious.
To ensure that the vehicle is in good running condition and for peace of mind, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is having its year-end and Chinese New Year service promotion for Ford owners. The promotion starts from December 1, 2021 and continues until February 15, 2022.
Up to 20% Savings
Ford owners who book a service during the campaign period will enjoy savings of up to 20% on parts and 10% on labour fees for lubricants, brake and timing belt packages in addition to selected parts.
All vehicles brought to the authorised service centre for servicing will go through a 27-point inspection, conducted by Ford-certified technicians. This inspection covers many areas related to safety and will ensure that the vehicles are in tip-top condition for the long journey.
Genuine Ford Parts with warranty
When servicing at any Authorised Ford Service Centre nationwide, vehicle owners can rest assured that only original genuine Ford parts are used. These parts are made to the highest standards of quality, fit and finish and designed specifically for Ford vehicles. In the event of problems with the parts installed, there is a warranty of 12 months or 20,000 kms (whichever occurs first), excluding wear and tear parts.
Free merchandise
Vehicle owners who top up on lubricant packages with an additional RM40 spend on any parts or service will receive a free exclusive Ford-branded face mask. For brake and timing belt packages, those who spend an extra RM500 on parts or service will get an exclusive denim woven bag in addition to a Ford face mask. All merchandise will be available while stocks last.
“With travel restrictions now eased, people are looking forward to travelling back to their hometowns or taking weekend trips this holiday season. Our service promotion is timely for this occasion and Ford customers can take advantage of this service and maintenance promotion to stay safe on the roads while enjoying more savings,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
How to make an appointment
Ford owners can easily book a service appointment online via the Ford website at their convenience, anytime and from anywhere. They can specify an authorised dealership or choose one closest to them anywhere in Malaysia. The real-time e-Service appointment booking option available allows owners to immediately know available time slots as well as select and confirm their preferred schedule (up to one month in advance).
The authorised service centres are Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth and Ford Kuching. To make a service appointment booking online, click here.
For more information regarding the promotion or about Ford vehicles and services in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my
Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON) has formed a strategic partnership with myTukar, a used car online selling platform, for vehicle trade-in activities. Under the agreement, myTukar will facilitate the end-to-end trade-in process for EON’s customers via certified myTukar inspectors performing vehicle inspections on-demand for its customers.
EON, a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad, operates dealerships for several brands namely Proton, Mitsubishi Motors, Audi and Volkswagen, via EON, EON Automart, Euromobil and HICOM Auto, respectively, through a network of 20 branches nationwide.
myTukar inspection centre.
Enhancing services to EON customers
Fong Hon Sum, myTukar CEO believes the partnership will benefit from EON’s established distributor network, while providing EON the opportunity to enhance their service to customers. “myTukar is honoured to embark on this partnership journey with one of Malaysia’s most diverse conglomerates with a comprehensive automotive business,” he said.
“ The collaboration will enable EON to leverage on myTukar’s proprietary technology-enabled platform to provide EON’s customers with instant and transparent valuations for trade-in vehicles. This will enhance customer experience at EON’s network because they are now effectively a one-stop solution centre,” added Mr. Fong.
EON is a subsidiary of the DRB-HICOM Group and is associated with a number of automotive brands.
Win-win situation for both parties
Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Group MD of DRB-HICOM, echoed Fong’s belief, stating that the partnership is a win-win situation that provides both parties with tremendous potential and possibilities.
“There is great synergy in this partnership and we are very pleased indeed to have found a like-minded partner in myTukar. Trade-ins has always been a sore point for car buyers, who today are increasingly demanding a more transparent and simplified process in their transactions. We believe myTukar’s innovative trade-in system will help boost sales of new automobiles across our branches, and more importantly enhance the overall customer experience at all our outlets. This will lead us to create more value for our customers,” said Tuan Syed Faisal.
The collaboration with EON will cover on Peninsular Malaysia initially. However, myTukar has been on an aggressive expansion drive this year with the opening of 7 new branches throughout the country. Further expansion to East Malaysia, starting with Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, is also in the pipeline, which should be beneficial to EON in the future.
myTukar is the first within the used car online trading platform in Malaysia to be awarded an ISO 9001:2015 Certification for Quality Management Systems. The certification is part of myTukar’s continuous effort in ensuring the highest levels of quality, trust and transparency throughout all stages of car selling on the innovative technology-enabled platform, to complement its ongoing expansion.
Tweckbot – the long-running complimentary vehicle inspection service by Perodua – has resumed operations. A team will be station at Tesco Extra Bukit Tinggi Klang in Selangor this weekend (September 12 and 13) from 9 am to 5 pm daily.
The free service will also be available at two other locations in Selangor – Tesco Puncak Alam (September 19/20) and Tesco Extra Ampang (September 26/27), also from 9 am to 5 pm.
“As Malaysia Day nears, we foresee many Malaysians taking vacations or returning to their hometowns. For their safety and peace of mind, it is crucial that their Perodua vehicles are in good working order,” said Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Tweckbot personnel will inspect over 50 points on a Perodua vehicle. These include the engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, power steering, clutch, tyres, suspension and electrical system.
New Normal operating procedures
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to prevent its spread, comprehensive health and safety measures have been adopted for the protection of its valued customers and staff. Dato’ Zainal emphasised that these safety measures will be the new normal operating procedures for Tweckbot moving forward.
All Tweckbot customers will be required to undergo temperature checks and will need to comply with contact tracing protocols as mandated by the government. Tweckbot stations will have a more spaced-out layout with demarcated areas for waiting, consultation and vehicle inspection to minimise movement, and the entire station will be evacuated and sanitised twice a day.
“Our technicians will wear face shields at all times and every vehicle will be thoroughly sanitised before and after inspection. Physical distancing and the wearing of face masks apply at all times,” Dato’ Zainal said.
He added that for the protection of the public, the number of vehicles inspected has to be limited to slots on a first-come, first-served basis.
20% discount on parts/accessories
Customers who inspect their vehicles with Tweckbot will get a 20% discount voucher, redeemable for the purchase of selected parts and accessories at any authorised Perodua service centre (terms and conditions apply).
Visit www.perodua.com.my for more news and to know more about the model range available.
According to the Transport Minister, there are over 4.2 million registered vehicles which have not had their roadtax renewed. Many of these would have the roadtax expired for more than a year, which means that if they wish to use the vehicle on public roads again, it will have to be sent to Puspakom for a roadworthiness inspection first.
Now, that requirement has been abolished for vehicles registered for private use by individuals. No Puspakom inspection will be required for vehicles which have not had their roadtax renewed for up to three years.
A car undergoing inspection at PUSPAKOM
Announcing this, the Transport Minister said that the change is in response to requests from vehicle owners. Particularly at this time when the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many financially, removing the vehicle inspection requirement can help to save some money. Perhaps some of those affected have old cars in the house and now want to use them again as they do not want to avoid public transport.
However, the exemption from inspections does not apply to commercial vehicles which, in any case, are subject to periodic mandatory inspections to ensure they are in a safe condition for use.
Discount period extended to end September
Meanwhile, the discount of up to 70% offered for summonses has been extended. It was originally up to the end of August but will not still be available until September 30,2020. The discount given applies to all compoundable summonses issued by the JPJ and the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) but not those issued by the police.
Again, the move is aimed at helping those who are in a difficult situation at this time and need to have a licence to work in jobs like e-hailing or food delivery. In some cases, not settling a summons would mean they are blacklisted and cannot renew their licence. Nevertheless, they still have to pay for the offence if they committed it.
With the gradual removal of restrictions under the Movement Control Order – now known as the Conditional Movement Control Order or CMCO – PUSPAKOM resumed its operations on April 29, 41 days after it had remained closed. However, its inspection services were limited to commercial vehicles of certain categories.
West coast states and Pahang from tomorrow
From today, the company is providing vehicle inspection services to all categories of vehicles including those that are registered for private use. The resumption of full services started today at branches in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak. Branches in the Klang Valley, Penang, Perak, Perlis and Pahang (with the exception of the one in Pekan) will provide full services from tomorrow (May 12).
All vehicle inspection centres will operate from 8 am to 5:30 pm 5 days a week. Those in the Klang Valley, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Perlis, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak will be closed on Saturdays and Sunday, while those in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan dan Terengganu will be closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Mobile inspection services are also available from certain locations.
PUSPAKOM also offers vehicle inspection services away from its centres with mobile trucks and vans. [File picture]Vehicle owners are requested to make an appointment for a slot and those who do not have an appointment will not be accepted. Appointments can be made at www.puspakom.com.myor use the MyPUSPAKOM app available from Google Play.
Strict procedures to be followed
While at the inspection centre, owners are required to follow strict procedures to comply with government requirements for the protection of the public and PUSPAKOM employees. These include the use of face masks at all times and cleaning with hand sanitizers. Gathering in groups is also not allowed and there should be a 1-metre gap between people. It goes without saying that visitors should have no symptoms of COVID-19. They should not visit PUSPAKOM if they are unwell and should seek medical attention to check their condition.
