PIAM supports new standards for local motor vehicle repair industry

KUALA LUMPUR: The General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) is looking forward to the upcoming release of the Malaysian Standard - Motor Vehicle Aftermarket Smash Repair Requirements (MS) in the first quarter of this year.

PIAM said in a statement last week that the MS is poised to establish new standards for the safe and proper repair of accident-involved motor vehicles.

"This initiative results from a collaborative effort of key stakeholders in the motor accident repair ecosystem, including the Ministry of Transport, Road Transport Department (JPJ), Puspakom Sdn Bhd, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, the Federation of Automobile Workshop Owners’ Association, Malaysian Automotive Association, PIAM, Malaysia Takaful Association and repairers (including motor franchise repairers),” it said.

The automotive engineering division of JPJ is simultaneously revising the guidelines on vehicle accident repair to ensure the use of quality and safe repair methods for motor vehicles involved in accidents in compliance with the Road Transport Act 1987.

PIAM also said that the most recent advancements in automobile technology and repair techniques were taken into account while developing these standards, focusing on the specific area of repair, including but not limited to kink/bend, chassis and wheel alignment, and body corrosion.

"These guidelines will become mandatory for the repair of all private vehicles when implemented,” it said.

PIAM said it is closely monitoring this and other significant regulatory developments and will review their implications on the motor vehicle accident repair ecosystem and the way forward.