What are the main reasons for the low uptake of the subsidised driver health screening?

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Subsidised Driver Health Screening Faces Low Uptake

Fewer than 20 commercial vehicle drivers have participated in the newly launched subsidised health screening programme, the Pemandu Sihat dan Selamat (PSS) initiative, since its inception last month. This low uptake persists despite the programme significantly reducing the cost for eligible drivers to RM30, with Socso covering the remaining RM55 of the examination fee. The initiative, which began on July 1 and targets approximately 30,000 commercial vehicle drivers aged 40 to 59 in its initial phase, aims to enhance driver health and, consequently, road safety.
Programme Awareness Appears Limited

The primary factor contributing to the low participation rate is believed to be a lack of awareness among the target demographic. Transport Minister Anthony Loke suggested that the programme is still in its nascent stages and that drivers may not yet be fully informed about its availability and benefits. The government had deliberately set the driver's contribution at RM30 to encourage uptake, but this measure has not yet translated into significant engagement.
Addressing Existing Health Certification Gaps

The PSS initiative was introduced to improve upon the previous health certification process for commercial drivers. Previously, only a doctor-certified form was required for licence renewal, which did not adequately guarantee that a comprehensive health examination had taken place. The new system mandates that doctors input their findings directly into an online platform, which is integrated with the JPJ's MySikap system, thereby ensuring a more robust record of drivers' health status.
Initial Phase and Collaboration Details

The initial phase of the PSS programme, running from July to December, involves a network of 500 participating clinics across the country. This effort is a collaborative venture between the Ministry of Transport, the Human Resources Ministry, Socso, the Road Transport Department (JPJ), and the Malaysian Medical Association. The government has committed RM12.4 million to the programme, with RM7 million allocated from Socso and RM5.4 million from the Ministry of Finance, underscoring its commitment to the initiative's success.

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What are the main reasons for the low uptake of the subsidised driver health screening?

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