WANITA MCA has expressed concern over the findings of a recent large-scale operation conducted by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) targeting tour bus and van operators which revealed a number of serious violations including unlicenced driving and drug use among drivers.
The major crackdown came following a fatal crash involving a tour bus carrying 21 people that had overturned while descending from Genting Highlands, killing two Chinese tourists on Saturday (June 29).
“In response to these alarming revelations, Wanita MCA proposes the implementation of more frequent and thorough inspections of tourist vehicles to ensure all drivers possess valid driving licences and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) permits,” said Wanita MCA national deputy chairperson Tee Hooi Ling.
“More random drug tests should be instituted for public transport drivers to prevent substance abuse while on duty, while harsher punishments should also be imposed for offences such as unlicenced driving, use of counterfeit licence plates and fraudulent road tax documentation to deter future violations.”
Tee further suggested that the government should establish a transparent reporting system encouraging passengers to alert authorities about observed infractions.
“In addition, we need to bolster training programmes for tourist vehicle operators with focus on ethical conduct and advanced driving skills to prioritise passenger, as well as foster partnerships with traffic authorities in neighbouring countries to address trans-national violations and ensure the legality and safety of international tourist transportation,” she said.
“We emphasise the critical need for the government and relevant departments to prioritise this issue by taking decisive action to ensure public transportation safety and quality, and safeguard the lives and property of the people.
“Wanita MCA will continue to follow the development of this matter and stand ready to offer further recommendations and support as needed in order to contribute to the creation and maintenance of a safe, reliable public transportation environment for all.”
On Monday (July 1), Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook revealed that the bus that crashed in Genting Highlands had an expired permit.
Loke said the bus permit had lapsed on February 16 and the driver was also driving without a licence, adding that the bus had also exceeded the time allowed to operate as the vehicle is over 15 years old.
Today (July 3) Sinar Harian reported that the tour bus driver pleaded not guilty at a Magistrate’s Court to two charges of driving dangerously and not possessing a valid driving licence.
The accused, S. Anand Kumar, 32, from Klang, Selangor, made the plea before Magistrate Siti Aisyah Ahmad after the charges were read by the court interpreter.
According to the charge sheet, the accused, on June 29, 2024, at approximately 10:20am at KM16.5, Jalan Genting Highlands (downhill), in Bentong, had driven the tour bus dangerously, causing the deaths of two Chinese nationals, Zhang Ping, 58, and Wang Suhong, 49.
The accused was charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of RM50,000.
For the second charge, the accused, at the same location and time, was charged with driving a motor vehicle on the road without a valid driving licence. – July 3, 2024
Main pic credit: FMT
