Gerik tragedy: Bus operator may face legal action, says Loke
GERIK: The Road Transport Department (RTD) will open an investigation paper against the bus company involved in the tragic crash that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students at Km53 of the East-West Highway (JRTB).
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that in addition to possible charges against the driver, the bus company might also face prosecution for failing to manage its operations responsibly.
"Yes. The driver's case falls under police jurisdiction, investigated under the Road Transport Act. Whether or not he is charged will depend on the police report.
"But the company can also be prosecuted for operational negligence. There have been previous cases where operators were brought to court.
"Even if they weren't driving, as the permit holder and company owner, they are still accountable," he said.
Loke said he believes RTD should open an investigation and refer the matter to the Attorney- General.
"It's clear that the permit holder had leased the vehicle to a third party. They were not operating it themselves, which constitutes an offence.
"Permit conditions clearly state that the company must directly operate and ensure the safety of the vehicle.
"In this case, the operator clearly failed in their duties. That's where action needs to be taken," he said.
Yesterday, Loke announced that all operating permits held by the tour bus company involved in the Gerik crash had been revoked with immediate effect, following multiple breaches of permit conditions.
He said the company committed two major violations: leasing its operating permit to another party and failing to activate the vehicle's GPS tracking system.
The permit holder, based in Kedah, had leased the permit to an operator in Kelantan for RM500 per month.
On Monday, the ill-fated bus, carrying 42 UPSI students, was travelling from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's main campus when it collided with a Perodua Alza at KM53 of the East-West Highway.
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