PEOPLE`S FINANCIAL BURDEN, SAFETY ISSUES WILL BE COVERED IN NAP REVIEW

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The people's financial burden and safety
issues will be among the matters that will be given attention in the review of
the National Automotive Policy (NAP), said Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat.

He said the review was necessary to ensure that the new ruling requiring
passenger vehicles over 15 having to undergo mandatory annual inspection by
Puspakom from Jan 1 could be effectively implemented.

"We need to consider the financial burden it will pose on the people but at
the same time, the roadworthiness of vehicles also have to be taken into
consideration. Not necessarily 15 years, there are cars that are older than
that," he told reporters after making a visit to the Bangsar LRT (Light Rail
Transit) station here Thursday.

He was commenting on the call by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to
agencies involved in matters related to the NAP including the Transport Ministry
to come up with detailed reports on objections by various quarters pertaining to
new regulations under the NAP.

Ong said the ruling (on cars over 15 years old) were in the interest of
safety and not meant to burden the people.

"We understand the cost element involved (having to send the old cars for
mandatory inspection). This will be reviewed both in terms of safety and the
financial aspects," he added.
-- BERNAMA