KUALA LUMPUR: There are critical safety issues plaguing the country's public transportation sector which need to be resolved to prevent further loss of lives and injuries to people.

Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said this was evident with the string of accidents involving buses in Genting Highlands, with the latest being the crash yesterday which claimed the lives of two Chinese tourists.

He said the onus was now on the government to intervene and conduct reforms in the public transportation sector.

"It is evident that current measures to ensure the safety of public service vehicle operations are insufficient. The lack of stringent enforcement of licencing and vehicle maintenance regulations has allowed unqualified drivers or poorly maintained vehicles to endanger passengers and other road users.

"The revelation that some drivers operate without valid licences underscores a glaring regulatory oversight," he told the New Straits Times.

Two Chinese nationals were killed, and several others were injured after a tour bus landed on its side while travelling downhill at Km16.5 of Jalan Genting-Bentong yesterday.

The two male victims, who died on the spot, were believed to have been trapped in their seats during the 10.40am accident.

Police said the 32-year-old driver of a tour bus did not have a driving licence and had 27 previous traffic summonses.

When elaborating on the lack of regulation in transport, Wan Agyl said the decision to decommission the Land Public Transport Commission (SAPD) has caused a void in terms of regulations for the sector.

He said without an entity that functions like SPAD in the pas, it has led to a reduction in the industry's accountability and safety standards.

"The re-establishment of a robust regulatory body akin to SPAD is not just a recommendation but a necessity. This entity must possess the authority and resources to enforce strict compliance with safety regulations, conduct thorough inspections, and impose substantial penalties for non-compliance."

He said Malaysia needed to take a leaf from other countries with proactive regulatory frameworks for transport and continuously improved strategies in this sector

"Malaysia must learn from these examples and adapt proven practices to safeguard its citizens and visitors. We used to have a quite progressive industry during SPAD's time."

When commenting on high-risk stretches such as the road to and from Genting Highlands. Wan Agyl said authorities must expedite improvements to infrastructure to avoid further road tragedies.

"The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. Immediate actions are required to enhance road infrastructure in high-risk areas like Genting Highlands, where treacherous terrain and adverse weather conditions amplify safety risks."

He said comprehensive driver training programmes and regular proficiency assessments will equip drivers with the skills to navigate challenging environments responsibly.

Wan Agyl said a clear reform agenda for the transport sector needed to be formulated and urged the government to establish a robust regulatory framework, infrastructure upgrades and comprehensive safety initiatives.

"Anything less would be a disservice to the citizens and a betrayal of our collective responsibility to ensure a safer Malaysia."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/1070075/expert-urgent-reforms-needed-improve-public-transportation-safety