Transport Minister Anthony Loke says M.V.15 ownership transfer inspection fees will remain standardised across licensed centres and regulated by JPJ. (Photo credit: BERNAMA)
More competition usually means one thing for consumers: better prices.So now that Puspakom is no longer the only operator allowed to handle private vehicle ownership-transfer inspections in Malaysia, you might reasonably expect inspection fees to start coming down too.
Except that's not how this particular market is going to work. Transport Minister Anthony Loke says fees for private vehicle ownership-transfer inspections, known as M.V.15 inspections, will remainstandardised and regulated by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) across licensed centres.
In other words, the new operators can compete with Puspakom, but not by starting a price war.
TL;DR
Puspakom's monopoly on M.V.15 private vehicle ownership-transfer inspections has ended.
As of May 2026, six companies had been licensed to conduct these inspections.
But operators will not compete by offering cheaper inspection fees.
M.V.15 fees remain standardised and regulated by JPJ.
Competition will instead focus on speed, convenience and service quality.
Loke says an inspection can take less than 20 minutes when conducted according to schedule.
First, Puspakom's Monopoly Has Already Ended
This part isn't new. Back in May, Loke announced that six companies had been granted licences to conduct M.V.15 inspections, formally ending Puspakom's monopoly over private vehicle ownership-transfer inspections.
The government also made clear that it wasn't stopping at six operators. Other companies that meet the required conditions can apply for licences as Malaysia expands inspection capacity and access.
Aug 31, 2024: The previous single-concession arrangement expired.
May 2026: Six companies had been licensed to conduct M.V.15 private vehicle ownership-transfer inspections, ending Puspakom's monopoly for this service.
Sept 2026: Loke clarifies that the multi-operator system does not mean operators can compete by lowering regulated inspection fees.
So Why Aren't Inspection Fees Getting Cheaper?
M.V.15 inspection fees are set by JPJ at a fixed rate. (Photo credit: WapCar)
Because the government doesn't want price to be the battleground. According to Loke, M.V.15 inspection fees are set by JPJ at a fixed rate, with licensed inspection centres not allowed to charge more than the prescribed amount.
He said the policy is intended to protect consumers while preventing operators from competing through lower prices that could affect the sustainability of the industry.
THE SHORT ANSWER
More operators = more competition.
But not a price war.
M.V.15 inspection fees remain regulated by JPJ, so operators are expected to compete on service quality, convenience and speed instead.
How Much Does An M.V.15 Inspection Cost?
When the expanded inspection network was announced in May, the M.V.15 inspection fee was reported at RM30, or RM37.80 inclusive of SST.
The important point from Loke's latest statement isn't a new price, but that the fee structure will remain standardised across licensed operators.
M.V.15 OWNERSHIP-TRANSFER INSPECTION
INSPECTION FEE
RM30
REPORTED TOTAL WITH SST
RM37.80
Fee figures based on the M.V.15 rates reported when the expanded inspection network was announced in May 2026. JPJ regulates the prescribed inspection rate.
Then What's The Benefit Of Having More Operators?
This is where the government's argument becomes more relevant to motorists. Instead of operators trying to win customers by shaving a few ringgit off the inspection fee, Loke wants them competing over how quickly and conveniently they can get the job done.
He said inspections at licensed private centres can take less than 20 minutes when conducted according to schedule. The results are then transmitted directly to JPJ's system, helping facilitate the ownership-transfer process.
WHAT COMPETITION COULD ACTUALLY MEAN FOR YOU
More inspection-centre choices
Potentially shorter waiting times
More convenient locations
Faster service
Competition on customer experience
That matters because thousands of vehicles change hands daily, and one of the government's arguments for opening the market was that relying on a single provider limited capacity and consumer choice.
More Operators Doesn't Mean Less Oversight
Opening the market also means making sure standards don't slip as more companies enter. Loke said licences come with a responsibility to ensure inspections are legitimate and vehicles meet the required standards.
The Transport Ministry and JPJ will continue carrying out surprise audits and regular monitoring of private inspection operators.
FAQ
Has Puspakom's vehicle inspection monopoly ended?
For M.V.15 private vehicle ownership-transfer inspections, yes. Six companies had been granted licences to provide the service as of May 2026, with the government encouraging more qualified operators to apply.
Will private vehicle ownership-transfer inspections become cheaper?
Don't expect operators to compete by lowering the inspection fee. Anthony Loke says M.V.15 fees will remain standardised and regulated by JPJ.
What can inspection operators compete on?
The government wants competition to focus on service quality, convenience and speed rather than lower inspection prices.
How long does an M.V.15 inspection take?
Loke says the inspection process at licensed private centres can take less than 20 minutes when carried out according to schedule.
Does this apply to every type of vehicle inspection?
The minister's latest statement specifically concerns M.V.15 inspections for private vehicle ownership transfers. It should not be read as a blanket statement about the pricing of every vehicle inspection service.
