Troubled taxi and bus operators will be pleased to hear this news
In an attempt to aid the public transport sector, which has been hit hard since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Transport has announced that it will grant an automatic extension of one year to public transport vehicles.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said public service vehicle such as taxis, school buses, and tour buses that has or will reach its respective permitted age limit between 1st January and 31st December 2021 will be granted an automatic one-year extension for the vehicle’s licensing purposes.
That being said, only vehicles that have undergone and passed the PUSPAKOM vehicles inspection process are eligible for this automatic extension. This is to ensure the vehicles remain roadworthy and safe for operation.
Additionally, this extension is valid for all public service vehicles classes under the purview of the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), and the respective Commercial Vehicle Licensing Boards of Sabah and Sarawak.
The decision was made following consultations and engagements between the Ministry and the industry’s representatives and associations such as the Federation of School Bus Associations Malaysia, Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association (PMBOA), Persatuan Pengusaha Bas Persiaran Semenanjung Malaysia (PPBPSM) and a few others.
The ministry also decided to grant this extension in view that many drivers and operators would face great difficulty in replacing their vehicles during this challenging time.
“We hope that this automatic extension of the vehicle age limit for one year will bring some relief to the industry as companies focus on recovering to become competitive again to serve the public,” Dr Wee said.
