FRU crash: Lorry company owner to face legal action, says Transport Minister

SHAH ALAM: The owner of the company whose lorry was involved in the crash that killed nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel in Teluk Intan will be taken to court, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) would take action against the company.
"Firstly, the operator's licence has been revoked. Secondly, legal action will be taken against the company owner in court through JPJ," he told reporters at a press conference after officiating the speed limitation device (SLD) for commercial vehicles' implementation, at Scania (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd here.
Loke added that the families of the victims could also pursue civil action against the company, to seek damages and compensation.
The tragic accident occurred at 8.54am on May 13, when a FRU vehicle collided with a lorry. The crash claimed the lives of nine FRU members and left nine others injured.
Meanwhile, Loke also said bus operators' associations should inform the ministry and enforcement authorities if they have any information on the practice of leasing bus permits.
He said if the association had cooperated and providing such information earlier, the government could have taken appropriate measures to address the issue and possibly prevent the recent fatal accident.
"Everyone is talking about permit leasing, but where is the evidence? The association should have assisted the mninsitry... they should have blacklisted or publicly exposed the company's actions," he said.
In an accident early Monday (June 9), 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students were killed when the bus they in overturned at KM53 on the East-West Highway (JRTB) near Tasik Banding, Gerik. – Bernama

Hashtags

Business

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Human error, road conditions likely behind UPSI student bus crash instead of faulty brakes, says transport minister

Malay Mail

22 minutes ago

Malay Mail

Human error, road conditions likely behind UPSI student bus crash instead of faulty brakes, says transport minister

Puspakom's preliminary report found no signs of uneven wear or thinning that could have contributed to the crash. Other vital systems, such as tyres, steering, and suspension, were also checked and found to meet safety standards. Transport minister says likely human error, road conditions among other reasons for crash. Ministry to introduce safety enhancements after completion of the full report. KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — A preliminary probe into the Gerik crash that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students has found no signs of brake failure or mechanical fault. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the initial technical report by Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspoakom) confirmed all brake components, including the linings and drums on each axle, were in good condition, New Straits Times reported today. 'There were no signs of failure,' Loke was quoted as saying in a statement. 'These findings indicate that mechanical problems were unlikely to have caused the accident.' 'Therefore, it is highly likely that the accident was caused by other factors such as human error, road condition, and others,' he was quoted as saying. Loke said safety enhancements would be introduced once the full report is completed. 'Enforcement of safety standards, driver qualifications, and operational monitoring of transport companies will continue to be intensified. 'To the families of the victims, the Transport Ministry extends its deepest condolences and is committed to ensuring justice is served and such tragedies do not recur,' he was quoted as saying. Loke also responded to claims made by the bus driver, Mohd Amirul Fadhli Zulkiflie, who said brake failure caused the crash. On June 12, he issued a stern warning to the driver against making false statements. He said these claims can be verified through mechanical testing. The exact cause of the accident, whether due to road conditions or driver negligence, has not been determined. The bus, carrying 42 UPSI students, was travelling from Jertih, Terengganu to the university's main campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak when it collided with a Perodua Alza at Km 53 of the East–West Highway on June 9. Thirteen students died at the scene, while two others were pronounced dead at the hospital.

[UPDATED] Preliminary probe rules out brake failure in Gerik crash

New Straits Times

an hour ago

New Straits Times

[UPDATED] Preliminary probe rules out brake failure in Gerik crash

KUALA LUMPUR: A preliminary investigation into the Gerik crash, which claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students, has found no evidence of brake failure or mechanical malfunction. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the initial technical report by Puspakom confirmed that all brake components, including the linings and drums on each axle, were in good condition. The inspection also found no signs of uneven wear or thinning that could have contributed to the crash. Other essential systems, such as the tyres, steering, and suspension, were also inspected and found to comply with safety standards, with no signs of failure. "These findings indicate that mechanical problems were unlikely to have caused the accident. "Therefore, it is highly likely that the accident was caused by other factors such as human error, road condition, and others," he said in a statement today. Loke said appropriate safety enhancements would be introduced once the final report is released, emphasising the ministry's commitment to road safety and regulatory enforcement. "Enforcement of safety standards, driver qualifications, and operational monitoring of transport companies will continue to be intensified. "To the families of the victims, the Transport Ministry extends its deepest condolences and is committed to ensuring justice is served and such tragedies do not recur." On June 12, Loke issued a stern warning to the bus driver involved in the crash, cautioning him against making false claims , as these can be verified through mechanical testing. He said the exact cause of the accident, whether due to road conditions or driver negligence, has yet to be determined. This follows claims made by the bus driver, Mohd Amirul Fadhli Zulkiflie, 39, who said brake failure caused the crash. On Monday, the bus, carrying 42 UPSI students , was travelling from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's main campus when it collided with a Perodua Alza at Km 53 of the East–West Highway. Thirteen students died at the scene, and two others were pronounced dead in hospital.

Malaysiakini

2 hours ago

Malaysiakini

Blaming scarecrows for bus accidents

COMMENT | Can the bus tragedy that killed 15 university students near Gerik, Perak, become a racial issue? Lawyer Siti Kasim claims that Transport Minister Anthony Loke is being attacked by some Malays online for the horrific accident. The reason it seems was that the victims are Malays, whom a Chinese minister failed to 'take care of'. 'Have you forgotten the driver is Malay?' asked Siti. This is the typical blame game to divert from real problems towards what are called 'scarecrows' or 'straw men' in American English.