Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak today announced the appointment of Syed Hamid Albar as the chairperson of the Public Land Transport Commission (SPAD), and Mohd Nur Ismal Mohamed Kamal as its chief executive officer.

The appointment of both Syed Hamid and Mohd Nur Ismal took effect on June 3, the day the commision was established, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

The statement said the prime minister would also be appointiong the

commissioners for SPAD.

"However, the announcement on the appointments will be made at a later date," the statement said.

The commission was established after the Public Transport Commission Act 2010 and the Public Land Transport Commission Act 2010 were passed in Parliament on April 22.

SPAD will play a major role in improving the public transportation system which is one of the National Key Result Areas (NKRA) stipulated by the government.

The Commission, which will be monitored by the prime minister, will bring all aspects related to land public transport in Malaysia under one governing body, starting with public transportation in the peninsula at the initial phase, and Sabah and Sarawak in the following phases.

The statement also stated that the main objective in formulating the commission was to draft policies and laws concerning public transportation, and supervise and plan the service involving various modes of public land transportation.

SPAD will also take over the duties of several government agencies like Department of Railway, the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB) and the function of the Tourism Commissioner in the issuance of licences for tourist buses.

- Bernama