KUALA LUMPUR: Online insurance aggregator BJAK Sdn Bhd (BJAK) today clarified that road tax renewal is an optional service for its customers, and is operating normally.

The company said its road tax renewal service is now offered to customers free of charge, as part of the initiative to make renewal more convenient and cost effective for its customers.

The company, in a statement, said while other platforms typically charge fees ranging from RM3 to RM11 for renewal services, BJAK has made the optional service complimentary for all customers.

It said it had previously passed on any charges to official Road Transport Department (RTD) providers.

BJAK said its primary service is auto insurance comparison and renewal, coupled with VIP services specially for its customers.

"BJAK retains the highest reviews in the industry, with over 250,000 reviews on Google. All comments are replied with 100 per cent coverage.

"BJAK has a same-day resolution target for all inquiries or feedback by customers," it said.

The company also acknowledged the issues raised by RTD, saying it is actively working with the authority to help improve experience for all vehicle owners in Malaysia.

The company noted that its free road tax campaign is part of a private initiative aimed at enhancing customer value and is not affiliated with any governmental mandate.

"BJAK remains committed to providing innovative solutions and exceptional service while maintaining the highest standards of compliance," it said.

The company's response came in the wake of RTD and the Transport Ministry's statement earlier today, which said the company was not given approval to carry out road tax renewal transactions.

RTD said it had also received complaints from members of the public who had to pay additional charges when renewing the road tax imposed by the platform.

RTD said neither it nor the ministry had approved the imposition of any additional charges imposed by BJAK on its customers.

It said it also received complaints from members of the public that road tax renewal carried out through the company's website, did not have the validity period of road tax updated.

RTD said there is no system integration between the RTD System (MySIKAP) and the system used by BJAK.