JPJ runners to be affected by Anthony Loke's digitalisation revolution?

Will JPJ 'runners' be affected by the government's move to digitalise driving licenses and road tax stickers? 

The perception of JPJ runners is a bit of a mixed bag.

While some loathe them because they feel their fees add on the cost of their vehicle registration, some actually do appreciate their services, as they can do all the nitty gritty associated with a vehicle, such as the necessary trip to PUSPAKOM for a vehicle inspection, name change and renewal of driving license and road tax.

Well, like it or hate, they might become a thing of the past soon as the government's announcement of introducing a digital driving license and road tax sticker system might affect their income.

This was brought to light by Kosmo recently, where they interviewed a runner concerned about his future.

According to the interview, 38-year-old Rahim said that his services are still popular and well-received, but he also has to think of other ways of income, if in future the demand for runners is no longer there.

Rahim is a realist and has yet to rule out the possibility that most customers aged 40 and under will switch to a digital system online.

"The cost of 'upah' taken to deal with JPJ, including money for fuel, food and travel is between RM10 to RM15."

"The amount of income possible for a week's work for road tax renewal services is about RM150 to RM500. This depends on the number of existing customers, but generally, we get this if we deal between 40 to 50 people."

"I was thinking, if the income starts to be affected, I might change my career as a food delivery or despatch rider. This is all that is suitable at the moment," he told Kosmo.

But not all runners share Rahim's sentiments. 40-year-old runner by the name of Ronney said he does not feel that this career is in jeopardy since all vehicle owners still have to renew their road tax every year.

"It's not that there is no need to renew the road tax, it's just that it doesn't need to be affixed to the vehicle's windshield. For us, this is no problem and will not affect income."