JPJ Credits this success to online bidding, but a minister’s hard work was pivotal too
In the bustling heart of Malaysia, amidst the daily hum of life and the ever-evolving skyline, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has quietly been marking record-breaking achievements in the financial arena. Answering a query in the Dewan Rakyat, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong unveiled that over the span of 2018 and 2019, and amassed a staggering RM8.55 billion in non-tax revenue.
Delving into the composition of this revenue, it becomes evident that JPJ has successfully harnessed both its conventional and modern facets to generate income. With 58.82 percent of the total revenue, amounting to over RM5 billion, being collected through physical counters, the importance of traditional service delivery remains undiminished.
Moreover, these counters, often the frontline of JPJ operations, handle a plethora of transactions including the issuance of driving licences, vehicle registration, and licence renewals, among others. However, the narrative of its financial success does not end with brick-and-mortar operations. The introduction and subsequent success of the JPJeBid system was credited.
The strategic introduction of special series numbers, such as the ‘FF’ and ‘M-M,’ plates along with the upcoming ‘GOLD’ series, further exemplifies JPJ’s innovative revenue generation methods. What wasn’t mentioned though, is the hard work put in by the ministers in the Transport and Road departments to achieve this staggering milestone.
While JPJ’s financial achievements are commendable, they also bring to light several challenges and considerations. The reliance on revenue from physical counters, for instance, underscores the ongoing need to balance digital innovation with the accessibility and familiarity of traditional service counters.
On top of that, the department must navigate the fine line between maximising revenue and ensuring public services remain affordable and accessible to all Malaysians. As JPJ ventures further into digital avenues like the JPJeBid system, issues of digital literacy and access become increasingly pertinent.
Ensuring that these services are inclusive and accessible to all segments of the population will be crucial in maintaining the department’s role as a key facilitator of public service delivery in Malaysia. In conclusion, the Road Transport Department’s remarkable financial performance is a clear indicator of its pivotal role in Malaysia’s public sector landscape. Do you agree?
