Certification roadmap will help, say auto workshop groups

PETALING JAYA: Workshop operator associations have no issues over the requirement that their premises display mechanics’ names and qualifications, but have appealed to the government for a clear pathway for unqualified ones to get certified.

Some associations have already taken steps to get their members certified following the ruling, noting how these qualifications ultimately benefit consumers.

Automotive Workshop Industry Operators’ Association secretary Anisah Mohammad said existing mechanics should have the opportunity to certify themselves through the Recognition of Prior Learning (PPT) certificate by the Skills Development Department under the Human Resources Ministry.

“There are many experienced and skilled workers, but they don’t have the certification. If existing mechanics can be recognised through the PPT, it wouldn’t disrupt their duties as they can prepare a portfolio and the Skills Development Department can evaluate from there,” she said.

Anisah said certification would also improve mechanics’ wages.

“Most of our members are aware of this and have begun getting their mechanics certified.

“Most importantly, the certification process for mechanics should be seamless, with funds also allocated by the government for this,” she added.

Federation of Automobile Workshop Owners’ Association of Malaysia president Khor Kong Siah said the federation, with member associations from 11 states in Malaysia, is helping their mechanics get the necessary certification.

“Workshops and mechanics without proper certification may cause consumers to lose confidence, which could adversely affect their business in the long run,” he said.

Khor urged industry players to adhere to the new regulation but also appealed for enforcement to be lenient when dealing with non-compliance.

For repairs, Khor said the onus is on workshop owners to communicate clearly with their customers to avoid possible conflict.

“Instead of just verbal communication, an initial estimation and quotation must be presented and agreed upon. Any other necessary repairs identified along the way must be updated too.

“Some workshops do not practise this, and it has led to many misunderstandings,” he said.

Khor said the new requirement will benefit consumers because they would know the type of parts being used before authorising the workshop to proceed with repairs.

“Workshops must inform vehicle owners whether the parts are new or second-hand.

“Additionally, workshops are required to provide written warranties for the parts used and specify whether there is a warranty period, along with its validity for the repair service.”

With the evolving technology in electronic vehicles, Khor said the new rule will ensure that only qualified workshops and skilled mechanics handle repairs.

National Society of Skilled Workers secretary-general Mohammad Rizan Hassan said there should be a specific grant through professional automotive bodies to encourage more individuals to take up professional certification in the field.

He said this could also be done by providing micro credential loans to those who wish to take upskilling courses.

“By empowering our local talent through appropriate incentives and suitable platforms, we would be able to produce skilled workers. This will then translate to a more decent living wage for those who possess professional certificates. Subsequently, our dependence on foreign labour could be reduced,” he said.

Mohammad Rizan, who is also the Belia Mahir coordinator, said youths have been proactive by learning automotive skills informally through friends and the Internet.

“We need to find ways on how to use workshops to become training centres for youths interested in the sector,” he said.