SUBANG JAYA: Transport Ministry is hoping that the hiring process for the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) personnel, which was previously halted, will be solved by next week.
Its Minister Anthony Loke, in announcing this today, said the total number of approved vacancies is 361.
"Public Service Department (PSD) has approved a total of 253 posts so far for APAD. Therefore, there are still 108 posts to be filled and waiting for approval."
He said he personally monitored the progress of the hiring procedure and was well aware of the delay.
"The delay has caused many incomplete and delayed documentations... So we are determined to solve this as quickly as possible," he said after visiting an APAD office here.
As a short term measure, Loke said his ministry has instructed some of the personnel to work extra hours to ensure that documents related to licencing and permits are completed within the specific timeframe.
"They will have to do overtime, and maybe work on Saturday too to complete the application process and ensure that customers, especially commercial vehicle owners and public transport handlers, are well managed.
"I assure you that this issue will be solved as soon as possible and APAD operation will return to normal." he said.
Since APAD's transition from the previous Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) early this year, the agency has faced not only with shortage of personnel but also criticism from the public over delays in processing licence applications.