TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said his ministry will launch a major crackdown on tour buses tomorrow (July 2) following a fatal crash in Genting Highlands at about 11am on Saturday, killing two tourists from China.

Speaking at a press conference in Putrajaya, Loke said his ministry would hold discussions with their tourism counterparts to discuss ways to improve enforcement SOPs concerning travel companies and tour buses.

“We will have a major crackdown on all buses, beginning with tour buses tomorrow,” he was reported as saying.

“The SOPs in themselves are already stringent but compliance is the issue. This operator (in the Genting crash) did not comply with the conditions of our SOPs, which includes limits on the age of vehicles.

“It broke all of these conditions, and that becomes a problem when we have such irresponsible operators.”

It was previously reported that the fatal crash on Saturday morning killed Chinese nationals Zhang Ping, 58, and Wang Shuhong, 49. It involved a total of 18 foreign tourists, the bus driver, an assistant and a tour guide.

Bentong police chief Supt Zaiham Mohd Kahar said further investigation into the 32-year-old tour bus driver revealed that he had 27 previous traffic summonses for various offences. He is under remand to assist in investigations.

The operating licence of the travel firm involved has also been suspended by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC).

Loke suggested charging the travel firm involved in the crash under Section 42(2) of the Land Public Transport Act with failing to comply with licence conditions.

This provides for up to two years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of RM500,000, or both, upon conviction.

“It is clear that the company did not comply with the conditions of its licence by allowing a driver to drive without a licence while the bus permit had expired on Feb 16. It broke the law, causing the loss of two lives, and tarnished the nation’s image,” he added. - July 1, 2024

https://focusmalaysia.my/transport-ministry-to-launch-major-crackdown-on-tour-buses-after-fatal-genting-crash/