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Law to hold companies to task needed, says Azalina

PETALING JAYA: There should be more decisive action against those responsible for road accidents that result in loss of life, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (pic). The Law and Institutional Reform Minister said there is a need to reassess the effectiveness of law enforcement. 'Perhaps it is time to evaluate our laws and consider introducing changes to the Penal Code or enacting a new law, akin to the United Kingdom's approach,' she said in a Facebook post yesterday. She was referring to the UK's Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act, which prosecutes companies for safety management failures leading to death. 'This legislation allows for companies to be held accountable for negligence that results in fatalities,' she said. Azalina said the Act was a response to workplace fatalities where corporate entities previously evaded criminal liability. 'This is especially relevant for companies providing transportation services, as it involves human lives,' she added. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry has a standard operating procedure, including on safety checks, concerning the use of buses by student groups. She said the ministry has directed the Kedah Education Depart­ment to look into the welfare of a couple, both teachers, who were involved in the accident with the bus in Gerik, Perak. The couple is recei­ving treatment at Hos­pital Baling, Kedah. Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the road where the accident happened is in good condition and was last maintained on Friday. He dispelled talk about the existence of potholes on that stretch had caused the bus tyre to burst thus leading to the tragedy. 'I would like to state that there was no punctured tyre and there were no potholes on that section,' he told reporters in Tuaran, Sabah, Bernama reported. Ahmad said a check at the location showed that there is a road sign warning of a bend ahead in the area. 'However, whatever happens, we will leave it to the special task force to investigate the accident. We do not want to make accusations, especially about technical issues,' he said. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community, called for an overhaul of safety measures for commercial vehicles. 'It's time to elevate our commitment to road safety and ensure that every journey is as safe as it can be,' he said, highlighting the need for strict compliance with the Industry Code of Practice of the Land Public Transport Agency. He cited the mandatory elements that bus and truck operators must adhere to, which include appointing a safety offi­cer, utilising GPS for monitoring speed and driver behaviour, and establishing robust emergency response plans. Lee also noted the importance of enhancing driver management, vehicle upkeep and journey planning to create a safer transportation environment. 'We must prioritise rigorous training, regular vehicle checks and vigilant route management,' he added.