RTD DG should be part of special task force - Loke

The Road Transport Department (RTD) director-general (DG) Rospiagus Taha should be a part of the special task force to investigate allegations of misconduct involving classic number plate registration said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said the special task force would need the full involvement of the RTD, as the department has the information and access to the alleged misconduct which is being investigated.

He said Rospiagus (above), a member of the special task force, had only been appointed RTD DG on June 19 and had no interest in the issue being investigated.

“First of all (the special task force) needs to be composed of the RTD DG and the current DG is the new DG... with the so-called issues (which are being investigated) from 2016.

“For sure the involvement of the RTD (in the task force) is needed, as it has the information, data and others. If there is no involvement of RTD, how can we access the information,” he said in a press conference after the 2023 DAP Congress in Putrajaya today.

Loke, the DAP secretary-general was responding to some parties disputing the involvement of the RTD DG and the department in a special task force to investigate allegations of misconduct related to the registration of classic vehicle number plates.

On Sept 8 Loke announced the establishment of a special task force, comprising members of the Integrity Unit of the transport ministry, to investigate allegations of misconduct at RTD related to the registration of classic vehicle number plates.

Loke said he highlighted the matter in the post-cabinet meeting following the disclosure of documents, known as the JPJandora Papers, by whistleblower “Edisi Siasat”.

“Edisi Siasat” claimed that the classic registration numbers have been revived and sold for hundreds of thousands of ringgit, with the activity said to be orchestrated by RTD officials themselves.

Included is a 28-page document that displays a list of the number plates of classic vehicles, which are allegedly brought back and registered for ownership—some of which have already been sold at a very good price, either to individuals or companies.

The document also details the total numbers listed, based on the year since 2007 and by state, with Selangor, Perak and Johor among the highest.

- Bernama

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