GOMBAK: Two bus drivers were detained for driving without a licence just three hours into a crackdown on tour and express buses along the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway.
The crackdown comes after an accident on Saturday involving a tour bus which overturned, killing two Chinese nationals on board.
It was later revealed that the driver did not have a licence.
Road Transport Department (RTD) senior enforcement director Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said the crackdown which began this morning also involved the police, the National Anti-Drugs Agency, and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac).
As of 9am, 22 buses were screened with the two licenceless drivers being detained.
The duo did not have driving and public service vehicle licences (PSV).
"These offences should not have occurred if the companies and drivers were responsible," he said.
Kifli said RTD will impound the buses until the companies replace their drivers.
Urine tests were also conducted on all 22 drivers, with one driver, in his 30s, testing positive for ganja.
"We also found a Thai van that did not have an International Circulation Permit (ICP)," he told reporters at the Gombak RTD Enforcement Station here.
"Motac also identified three tour buses without tour guides.
Kifli warned tour and express bus operators that the authorities will not compromise on any offences. The crackdown will continue until the end of the month.
Yesterday, Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook announced a major crackdown on tour buses would begin today.