KUCHING, September 14: More than 650 applicants for commercial vehicles and public service vehicles can now heave a sigh of relief after receiving their approval letters from the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the delay was due to LPKP’s inability to conduct monthly meeting to process and approve applications as there was no chairman after the 14th general election.
The last meeting to consider and approve applications for new licences, renewals and modifications for all classes of commercial vehicles in Sarawak was held on May 16. All applications received after that date was only approved yesterday.
“As there was a change in the government, appointment of LPKP Sarawak chairman is still in the process. We received many applications for LPKP licences in July and August, which could not be processed.
“I have spoken to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on this matter, and we agreed to appoint the state Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Mohd Syafiq Anas Abdullah as the acting chairman,” Loke said today after presenting the approval letters to several applicants today.
The meeting was finally conducted over the last two days to settle all backlog cases.
Apologising profusely to all the applicants in the state, Loke said he understood the delay had greatly affected the transportation and trade industries.
“It is not JPJ Sarawak’s fault as they cannot conduct meeting and give approvals. On behalf of my ministry, I apologised for the inconvenience caused.
“Rest assured, there will be no more backlogs. Monthly meetings will be conducted promptly,” he said.
To a question on who will be appointed as the new chairman of LPKP Sarawak, Loke said they had yet to decide, but it would definitely be a Sarawakian.
To another question if the successful candidate is a political appointee, Loke said it could be anyone who is a Sarawakian.
“My ministry will submit the candidate’s names, but this appointment requires the Prime Minister’s approval. So, we will let him decide.” — DayakDaily
