PETALING JAYA: The reopening of the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) counter services nationwide on Monday has been well received, with many praising the swift processing of driving licence and road tax renewals.

       Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Taxi and Car Rental Operators Association committee member Siti Faradilah Aslah said the much-awaited reopening of JPJ branches nationwide will make such renewals a hassle-free process for the people.

       “We welcome JPJ’s decision to reopen its branches. This will definitely benefit all,” she said.

       Motorist Kaljit Singh, 35, said prior to the reopening of JPJ’s branches, he had to cancel several appointments which he scheduled at least two weeks prior due to personal emergencies.

       “I could not make it and it was very hard for me.

       “I am very pleased with JPJ opening its branches. Now I can renew my road tax and driving licence any time,” he said.

       John Thomas Tan, 32, who was at the Wangsa Maju JPJ branch yesterday, said he was pleasantly surprised that it took only 15 minutes to renew his driving license.

       “I came in at 10am and was on my handphone and the next thing I knew, my new driving licence was ready!” he said, adding that JPJ deserved praise.

       Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong had said that the Wangsa Maju JPJ branch was among the busiest in the country, serving about 2,000 customers daily since it reopened for walk-ins at the start of the week.

       Motorist Tan Hui Min, 30, said it took her less than 10 minutes to renew her driving licence at the JPJ branch here yesterday.

       “I barely waited. It’s good that it’s such a fast process especially during pandemic times,” she said when met at the Petaling Jaya JPJ branch yesterday.

       Despite the crowd at the Wangsa Maju and PJ branches since early in the day, the lines moved fast with strict adherence to the Covid-19 SOP, with extra emphasis on social distancing.

       Besides going to JPJ branches, the public can also conduct JPJ dealings through online portals such as MySikap and MyEG, or go to Pos Malaysia branches.

       Previously, Dr Wee said the ministry had extended the moratorium to renew Motor Vehicle Licenses (LKM) and Malaysian Driving Licences (LMM) up to Dec 31 this year.

       He said holders of driving licences (LKM) expiring during the stipulated period must ensure that their vehicles had valid insurance coverage and that the e-cover note should be shown during inspection by the authorities.