Puspakom inspection requirements refer to the mandatory vehicle checks conducted by Puspakom Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s official vehicle inspection authority. These inspections ensure roadworthiness, safety, and compliance with Road Transport Department (JPJ) regulations.
Puspakom inspection requirements include B5 test procedures, fees of RM30 for private vehicle transfers, common failure points like brake efficiency or tinted glass violations, and passing tips such as pre-checking tyre tread depth. Over 3 million inspections are performed annually across 56 centers nationwide.
Puspakom Inspection Requirements
What Is Puspakom and Why Are Inspections Required?
Puspakom is Malaysia’s sole government-appointed vehicle inspection company, established to enforce safety standards for commercial and private vehicles. Inspections are legally mandated for ownership transfers, commercial vehicle renewals, and modified vehicles to prevent accidents and fraud.
Key inspections include the B5 test for private vehicle transfers, routine checks for commercial vehicles every 6 months, and special inspections for modified engines or chassis. For example, e-hailing vehicles require annual inspections, while taxis must undergo bi-annual tests. Non-compliance risks fines or road tax revocation.
What Are the Types of Puspakom Inspections?
Puspakom offers six primary inspection types, each serving distinct purposes. Initial inspections apply to new or used commercial vehicles pending registration, while routine inspections are mandatory for commercial vehicles every 6 months under the Road Transport Act 1987. Transfer of ownership inspections (B5) cost RM30 for private vehicles.
Special inspections cover vehicles with expired road tax exceeding 3 years or engine modifications. Voluntary inspections are non-mandatory but help owners identify maintenance needs. For instance, a Grab driver must pass an e-hailing inspection before JPJ registration.
What Documents Are Needed for a Puspakom Inspection?
Documentation varies by inspection type but typically includes the original vehicle registration card (JPJ.K2) and the owner’s identification card. Commercial vehicle inspections require additional documents such as a carrier license, business registration copies, or e-hailing permits.
For B5 inspections, owners must submit a completed Declaration for Release of Liability form if a representative handles the process. Missing documents delay inspections. A taxi operator, for example, must provide a valid TR2 taxi meter report during routine checks.
What Does the Puspakom Inspection Process Involve?
Inspections follow a 12-step checklist, starting with identity verification of chassis, engine, and registration numbers. Critical tests include brake efficiency (minimum 50% for passenger vehicles), side-slip alignment (max 5 m/km deviation), and tinted glass compliance (70% VLT for windscreens).
Above-carriage checks examine body condition, while under-carriage inspections assess axle and suspension integrity. Vehicles failing the brake test three times are blacklisted and reported to JPJ. A lorry weighing beyond its approved plan will automatically fail.
What Are Common Reasons for Failing a Puspakom Inspection?
Top failure points include insufficient brake efficiency, illegal window tinting, and tyre tread depth below 1.6 mm. Modified exhaust systems without JPJ approval or misaligned headlights also result in rejection.
For example, a 2023 Puspakom report showed 22% of failures were due to tinted glass violations. Commercial vehicles often fail for defective safety equipment like missing fire extinguishers or speed limit signs.
How Can You Prepare Your Vehicle to Pass Inspection?
Pre-inspection checks reduce failure risks. Owners should verify brake functionality, ensure tyre tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm, and confirm all lights operate correctly. Removing unauthorized modifications like non-compliant exhausts or body kits is essential.
Testing suspension systems and aligning wheels beforehand prevents side-slip failures. A 2024 JPJ advisory noted that 15% of repeat inspections pass after addressing initial brake or tyre issues.
How Do You Book a Puspakom Inspection?
Appointments are booked via MyPUSPAKOM’s website or mobile app, with a RM3.50 processing fee. Slots at branches can be reserved up to 1 month in advance, while mobile unit inspections require 3 working days’ notice. Walk-ins are accepted but face longer wait times.
Payment methods include credit cards, online banking, or the PUSPAKOM e-wallet. Rescheduling is allowed once, provided changes are made 24 hours before the appointment. Blacklisted vehicles cannot book inspections.
What Changes Were Introduced in Puspakom Inspections After March 2025?
Effective 17 March 2025, body lettering, speed limit signs, and first-aid kits were removed from mandatory checks for public service vehicles. Owners must now self-regulate these requirements.
The update simplifies inspections for taxis and buses but holds operators accountable for compliance. JPJ may still penalize violations during roadside enforcement.
What Are the Fees for Puspakom Inspections?
Fees range from RM30 for private vehicle transfers to RM90 for heavy commercial vehicles. E-hailing inspections cost RM55, while mobile unit services add a RM100 surcharge per vehicle. All fees include a 6% service tax.
For example, a routine inspection for a lorry under 6,000 kg costs RM55, while trailers pay RM75. Voluntary inspections are fixed at RM50 regardless of vehicle type.
How Long Is a Puspakom Inspection Report Valid?
Inspection reports remain valid for 60 days from the issue date. Expired reports require re-inspection, including full payment of fees. JPJ rejects ownership transfers or road tax renewals with lapsed reports.
A 2023 study showed 8% of commercial vehicle operators incurred repeat fees due to delayed JPJ submissions. Timely processing avoids unnecessary costs.
Where Are Puspakom Inspection Centers Located?
Puspakom operates 56 inspection centers and 25 mobile units across Malaysia. High-volume branches include Shah Alam, Batu Caves, and Wangsa Maju, with extended operating hours from 8 AM to 5.30 PM.
Mobile services are limited to Peninsular Malaysia. Rural operators often use light mobile vans for on-site inspections of agricultural machinery.