Article: CVLB wants public help

TRANSIT took note of this article in the Malay Mail today in which the company Hijrah Dedikasi Sdn Bhd defends itself against allegations that it was ignoring a CVLB Directive.

Now, the CVLB is a relatively weak agency (as compared to other government agencies) with only 57 enforcement staff. Clearly the goal of the CVLB was to make permits available, and the enforcement was left to other agencies.

CVLB Director Naimah Ramli believes that public support can help her small enforcement team (with only 57 officers) take action against errant public transport operators, as described in this article:

CVLB: ‘Small’ enforcement team can be more effective with public’s help

Ng Suzhen
Monday, June 22nd, 2009 06:58:00

THERE is a lack of manpower in its enforcement department but CVLB director Datin Naimah Ramli believes that more doesn’t mean better.

Last month, Datuk Markiman Kobiran, the former CVLB chairman, had said that it had only 57 enforcement officers.

When Malay Mail spoke to Naimah, we learned that out of the 57, Peninsular Malaysia had 45, making it 3.75 people per State. And this was after an increase in manpower last year.

Without sufficient manpower, proper enforcement will be difficult. Take the case of Hijrah Dedikasi for example. Despite being ordered to cease operations, it still remained open. Although further probes by Malay Mail revealed that the counter was only open for taxi drivers to make their claims and not to sell taxi coupons, taxis were still charging according to the price on the taxi coupons.

“Taxis are only allowed to charge by coupon or meter. Those who are aware of this should report it through CVLB’s portal. Provide the date, time, taxi details and the issue, so that our officers will be able to conduct proper investigations,” Naimah said.

She added that this was a matter of self-enforcement by the public and members of the industry to report any wrongdoings to the department. There wouldn’t even be a need for more manpower if this is practised.

However, the message needs to reach the public so that they are aware of the portal should they face difficulties with public transport.

CVLB is also working closely with the Road Transport Department and the police.

“CVLB mainly monitors these companies. However, we are currently taking drastic action against offenders. A maximum compound of RM300 will be imposed on companies or taxi drivers who are caught. If they are found to have been fined more than three times, we will consider suspending their licences.”

TRANSIT Says:

Unfortunately, many people have little confidence in the CVLB and the lack of enforcement personnel is one of the problems. Currently the No. Aduan LPKP (CVLB complaints hotline) is not operating at the moment due to the dissolution of the Entrepreneur & Cooperatives Development Ministry. They hope the number will be available soon when the new system is set up.

According to Naimah, the CVLB actually shared the software with other agencies in the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development.

TRANSIT has proposed that the CVLB create their own exclusive Complaints Hotline (No. Aduan) and that their enforcement staff be expanded. In the future, this number and the existing staff can be transferred to the Public Land Transport Authority when it is created.