Should SPAD control all public service vehicle licensing?

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SPAD Should Control Public Service Vehicle Licensing for Stricter Enforcement

The chairman of the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar, has advocated for his commission to assume control over the licensing of Public Service Vehicles (PSV). This proposal follows a fatal bus crash in Muar, Johor, and is based on the belief that SPAD would be more effective in enforcing regulations and taking action against companies that violate the law compared to the Road Transport Department (RTD). SPAD currently has the authority to suspend licenses independently, though revocation requires a court charge, and the issuance of PSV licenses is presently handled by JPJ (understood to be RTD).
SPAD's Proposed Enhanced Enforcement Capabilities

Syed Hamid articulated that SPAD's ability to enforce regulations would be significantly strengthened if it held direct authority over PSV licenses. While SPAD can currently suspend licenses, the process for revocation is contingent on court charges. He highlighted that currently, SPAD can only cancel a driver's permit, as PSV licensing falls under JPJ. Granting SPAD the responsibility for issuing PSV licenses would allow for more immediate and decisive action against non-compliant operators.
Suggestions for Improved Vehicle Safety Standards

Beyond licensing, Syed Hamid also put forward suggestions aimed at enhancing the safety of public buses. He personally expressed a desire for buses to be equipped with seatbelts and, for future implementations, for speed limiters to be installed. These measures are intended to further mitigate risks associated with public transportation and prevent incidents such as speeding that could lead to accidents. SPAD has already taken action by suspending the license of the bus company involved in the recent Muar crash, which resulted in 14 fatalities.
Call for Fare Flexibility and Driver Welfare

The SPAD chairman also addressed the issue of bus fares, suggesting that bus companies should be granted more flexibility in their pricing. He linked the current system of government-controlled fixed fares to low driver salaries and subsequent driver fatigue. According to Syed Hamid, the commission-based pay structure, dependent on the number of trips, incentivizes drivers to undertake additional journeys, potentially leading to exhaustion and increased accident risk. He emphasized that express bus services are privately operated and that a rigid fare system could make it difficult for companies to maintain their fleets and compensate their drivers adequately, potentially leading to operational difficulties.
Addressing Driver Shortages and Promoting Collaboration

Furthermore, Syed Hamid noted a shortage of bus drivers in Malaysia, attributing it to the unappealing nature of low-paying jobs and the need for a shift in public perception. To address the broader issues contributing to fatal bus crashes, he urged the Transport Ministry to convene a meeting involving the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu). This meeting would facilitate collaboration between RTD and SPAD to develop more effective strategies for preventing future tragedies on the roads. The last review of express bus fares was conducted in 2009, a stark contrast to taxi fare adjustments made as recently as the previous year.

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Should SPAD control all public service vehicle licensing?

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