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New Straits Times
4 days ago
- New Straits Times
Gerik bus crash: MOT told to define legal subcontracting, end permit abuse
KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry has been advised to issue official guidelines distinguishing legitimate subcontracting from illegal licence leasing to prevent confusion and exploitation in the industry. This was among several recommendations in the preliminary report by the ministry's task force on the fatal tour bus crash in Gerik. "On operational compliance and licensing, it is recommended that the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) enhance enforcement against the unlawful leasing of operating licences. "Amendments to licensing conditions should include integrity declarations and clear identification of the licence holder, vehicle, and driver," the report said. It also proposed introducing a mandatory vehicle body marking system, requiring the permanent and visible display of the operator's licence number on all vehicles for on-ground verification. Authorities were urged to expedite the rollout of an integrated monitoring system for all commercial vehicles, capable of real-time tracking of driving behaviour, speed, location, licence status, and operational compliance. The system should incorporate GPS, geofencing, automatic alerts, performance data analytics, and allow for proactive, integrated information-sharing with enforcement agencies. The report also recommended the development of a unified driver database containing records of discipline, licences, training, and accident history, accessible to relevant agencies and legitimate operators. "On road infrastructure, the design of road dividers at high-risk locations must be reviewed to ensure alignment with current safety guidelines. "Speed limit signs, chevrons and bend warning signs should be installed within clear sight distances, and all faded road markings should be repaired or replaced using high-intensity retro-reflective materials to improve night-time visibility," it said. The installation of Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) cameras at high-risk locations was also suggested to enhance speed compliance. The report further proposed returning enforcement powers for the land public transport industry to Apad, or re-establishing a body such as the Land Public Transport Commission to coordinate integrated licensing and enforcement. It also called for the establishment of a Malaysian Transportation Safety Board as an independent investigative body for all modes of transport. "This would ensure accident investigations are conducted professionally, objectively and consistently, contributing to long-term prevention and holistic improvements in transport safety," it said. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), the report added, should be promoted in operational monitoring to detect risky driving patterns, predict system failures, and prevent incidents through real-time data analysis. On June 9, a tour bus carrying 42 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students from Jerteh, Terengganu, to Tanjung Malim, Perak, collided with a Perodua Alza along the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik. Fifteen students were killed in the crash. revoked with immediate effect following multiple breaches of permit conditions.
The Sun
08-07-2025
- The Sun
Make association membership mandatory for operator license applications - Bus Drivers' Coalition
KULAI: The Malaysian School Bus Operators and Drivers Coalition has urged the government to mandate association membership as a requirement for operator license applications to safeguard the safety of students who rely on over 7,000 school bus operators who are not registered with any bus drivers' association. Its president, Dr M Muruga said that currently, those who want to operate a school bus only need to register with the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) via the Commercial Vehicle Licensing System ( iSPKP), a method he believes should be reviewed, as approval does not take into account the applicant's experience or record. 'The situation is like a ticking time bomb in terms of road safety, especially for students... as associations are crucial in enhancing operators' awareness of safety issues. 'We're not just a registered association. We offer free safety briefings, maintenance workshops, and work with JPJ and Puspakom. But when we call for a meeting, only 40 people show up, even though we invite hundreds,' he told Bernama today, adding that many operators were hesitant to register despite the annual membership fee being only RM40. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were nearly 18,000 school bus operators in Malaysia, but after the enforcement of the ban on buses older than 30 years, the number dropped to around 12,000 and of these, only 60 per cent are registered with their respective associations. Unofficial statistics show that over 85 per cent of current operators consist of senior citizens and single mothers, especially in states like Sabah and Sarawak, said Muruga, 70, who still drives a school bus with his wife to a plantation school here after more than 30 years. On yesterday's crash involving a school van carrying 22 students on the North-South Expressway near the Bandar Dato Onn northbound exit, Muruga pointed out that such vans were typically suitable for carrying a maximum of 18 primary school children or 12 adults. 'The permitted capacity was exceeded. That's a serious offence. Fortunately, no fatal accident occurred, but if something had, who would be held responsible?' he said. - Bernama
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Bus operators must enforce seat belt rules for passenger safety
KUALA TERENGGANU: Public bus operators must enforce stricter compliance with seat belt regulations to enhance passenger safety. The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) emphasizes that the mandatory rule is not just a legal requirement but a step toward fostering a safety-conscious culture. Mohammad Fakhri Mansor, APAD Eastern Region head, stated that the agency actively conducts driver competency programmes, particularly for express bus drivers. 'We have held three training sessions involving 100 operators from 80 transport companies in the Eastern Region. A fourth course is planned to reinforce road safety awareness,' he said. Fakhri highlighted that seat belt usage is compulsory for all passengers, not just drivers. He spoke during the launch of the new Darul Iman Express Bus at the Kuala Terengganu City Council Bus Terminal. The event was attended by Darul Iman Express managing director Laili Ismail. Laili welcomed the government's directive, confirming that his company has instructed drivers to ensure passengers buckle up before departure. 'Our buses have seat belts and CCTV cameras to monitor compliance,' he said. - Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- Free Malaysia Today
64% of commercial vehicle operators fail safety audit, says JPJ
JPJ director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli said some companies had no safety action plans in place and did not display hotline numbers or the names of responsible officers on their vehicles for public complaints. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The road transport department (JPJ) found that 64% of commercial vehicle operators failed an audit on mandatory safety requirements, in a recent nationwide operation. Its director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli said the operation, which began on June 23, saw audits carried out on 133 companies operating commercial vehicles, Bernama reported. He said only 48 companies passed the audit while the other 85 failed as they did not comply with JPJ Inspection and Safety Audit (Jisa) guidelines. 'The non-compliant companies comprised 43 lorry operators and 42 tour and express bus operators,' he was quoted as saying. Among the key violations were the failure to appoint occupational safety and health officers (OSHO), lack of GPS installation in all vehicles and poor GPS monitoring practices. Many companies also failed to record drivers' working hours, which must not exceed eight hours a day, and to ensure that drivers take a break of at least 30 minutes for every four hours of driving. Aedy said some companies had no safety action plans in place and did not display hotline numbers or the names of responsible officers on their vehicles for public complaints. 'The department will submit the list of non-compliant companies to the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) for further action, including recommendations for possible suspension or cancellation of operating licences,' he said.
The Sun
29-06-2025
- The Sun
64% of commercial vehicle operators fail JPJ safety audit in Malaysia
KOTA BHARU: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has uncovered alarming safety lapses among commercial vehicle operators during a nationwide audit. Findings from the Special Operation on Safety Audit System Guidelines (Ops Khas JISA) show 64% of audited companies failed to meet mandatory safety standards. JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli disclosed that 133 companies were inspected since the operation began on June 23. Only 48 operators passed the audit, while 85 were found non-compliant. The violations included 43 lorry operators and 42 tour and express bus operators. Key failures included the absence of occupational safety officers, incomplete GPS installation, and inadequate monitoring of vehicle tracking systems. Many operators also neglected to log drivers' working hours, exceeding the eight-hour daily limit, and skipped mandatory 30-minute breaks after four hours of driving. Aedy Fadly stated, 'The department will submit the list of non-compliant companies to the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) for further action, including possible suspension or cancellation of operating licences.' He emphasised JPJ's zero-tolerance stance on safety breaches, reinforcing the need for strict enforcement to protect road users and maintain transport system integrity.
