Puspakom: Right Inspection Crucial For Accurate Vehicle Assessment

SHAH ALAM, June 3 (Bernama) -- Findings from a Special Inspection (B2) conducted by Puspakom Sdn Bhd contributed to a tribunal ruling in favour of a used vehicle buyer following an eight-month dispute over the condition of a second-hand vehicle.

Puspakom chief executive officer Mahmood Razak Bahman said the case underscored the importance of selecting the appropriate vehicle inspection based on its intended purpose, as different inspection categories serve distinct regulatory and assessment functions.

He said the vehicle involved had previously undergone a Transfer of Ownership Inspection (MV15) and a Hire Purchase Inspection (B7), both of which are conducted for specific verification purposes.

"MV15 is carried out during ownership transfer to verify vehicle identity and engine and chassis numbers, while B7 is conducted at the request of financial institutions for hire purchase verification.

"Despite these clearances, the buyer later raised concerns about the vehicle's condition and opted for a B2 Special Inspection at the Batu Maung Puspakom in Penang," he said in a statement today.

Mahmood said the B2 inspection identified structural non-compliance at the chassis level, resulting in a failure outcome.

He said the inspection findings were subsequently submitted as evidence and contributed to the tribunal's decision in favour of the buyer, thereby highlighting the distinction between regulatory inspections, such as MV15 and B7, and specialised inspections, such as B2.

He further explained that, unlike standard verification inspections, the B2 inspection involves a more comprehensive structural assessment covering chassis condition, structural integrity, vehicle identification details and compliance with regulatory requirements.

"This enables underlying issues such as previous accident damage, structural modifications or major repairs to be identified more effectively," he said.

Mahmood also encouraged vehicle owners to take a more proactive approach towards vehicle maintenance and safety through Puspakom's Voluntary Vehicle Inspection (VVI) programme.

He said VVI helps vehicle owners assess the overall condition, safety and roadworthiness of their vehicles, enabling them to make more informed decisions about maintenance planning, long-distance travel preparation and the purchase or sale of used vehicles.

“Selecting the right inspection is essential to ensure an accurate assessment and avoid potential disputes. We also encourage the public to practise preventive vehicle checks, particularly through VVI, as part of responsible vehicle ownership.

“Starting from as low as RM15, VVI provides vehicle owners with an accessible option to better understand their vehicle’s condition and identify potential issues early,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA