JPJ 's move surprises MMA

The apparent appointment of a private company to monitor the medical examination proposed for commercial drivers has come as a surprise to the Malaysian Medical Association.
Voicing concern over recent newspaper advertisements taken out by a private company calling on doctors to register with it, MMA president Datuk Dr Teoh Siang Chin said the Road Transport Department (JPJ) must explain the rationale behind the award of the contract.
It should also review the contract, as the MMA had not been in any discussion on this matter of a third party being involved in the process of annual medical examinations for commercial drivers, he said.
He said doctors were disturbed by the lack of public disclosure on the appointment of a company that might have a negative impact on road safety and increase the cost of medical examination for drivers.
“It’s alarming to the medical profession as to how the tender process was done, and the capability of the new agency being involved in this vital role,” he added in a statement here yesterday.
The MMA, he said, appeals for caution and accountability and calls upon JPJ to reveal the rationale of the award of the contract.
Dr Teoh said the MMA was responsible for initiating the study and survey of drivers as a prelude to establishing an annual standard medical examination for commercial drivers.
MMA's involvement at that stage was much appreciated by the Transport Ministry, which had also recorded the implementation procedures at official meetings, he added.
However, the introduction of a “third party” into the screening process was without the knowledge of the MMA.
“The policy makers and other stakeholders must engage in open and direct discussions to explore the issues involved if there is to be any suggestions of change,” he said, adding that the involvement of MMA and examining doctors must be a pre-requisite in any discussion or change.
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