Malaysia’s Tourism Transport Gets a Boost: MATTA Backs Ministry’s Reforms to Ease PUSPAKOM Inspections

The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) has expressed strong support for the Ministry of Transport’s (MOT) recent initiatives aimed at reducing long-standing congestion and inefficiencies at PUSPAKOM inspection centers. The reforms, officially in effect since 17 March 2025, are designed to ease the operational burdens faced by transportation providers in the tourism sector and enhance service delivery for travelers across Malaysia. Minister of Transport YB Anthony Loke announced a series of game-changing measures, including the Self-Declaration for Non-Safety Inspection Items, which exempts minor vehicle features such as body lettering, speed limit signage, first aid kits, number plates, and seat conditions from mandatory inspection. According to MATTA, this policy closely aligns with its prior recommendations and helps ensure vehicles are not disqualified over trivial issues, allowing operators to focus on critical safety compliance. In another progressive move, the MOT has introduced a Heavy Vehicle Exemption, allowing tourism transport operators to use highways en route to PUSPAKOM centers. Previously, operators were restricted from using expressways without valid inspection approval, which disrupted scheduled tourism services and created unnecessary detours. By coordinating with the Ministry of Works and the Malaysian Highway Authority, the new exemption offers a practical solution to reduce delays and maintain seamless travel operations.