PUTRAJAYA: The Transport Ministry will launch a major crackdown on tour buses starting tomorrow, following the deadly crash in Genting Highlands that resulted in the deaths of two tourists from China.
Its minister, Anthony Loke, said ministry officials will talk with tourism authorities about improving standard operating procedures (SOP) for travel companies and tour buses.
"We will conduct a major crackdown on all buses, beginning with tour buses tomorrow," he said at a press conference at the Transport Ministry here today.
Loke said the SOP were in place, but the issue was with compliance.
"The operator involved in the Genting Highland crash did not follow the SOP, which include limits on the age of vehicles," he said.
"It violated all of these conditions, which becomes problematic with such irresponsible operators."
He said the company violated its licence conditions by allowing an unlicensed driver to operate its bus.
He added that the bus's permit had also expired on Feb 16.
Loke said charges will be brought against the tour bus company under Section 42(2) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 for failing to comply with licence conditions.
"The charges could result in up to two years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of RM500,000, or both, upon conviction.
"This incident caused the loss of two lives and damaged our nation's reputation."
On Saturday, two Chinese nationals were killed and several others injured when a tour bus landed on its side while travelling downhill at Km16.5 of Jalan Genting-Bentong.
The two male victims, who died at the scene, were believed to have been trapped in their seats during the 10.40am accident.
Pahang Fire and Rescue Department deputy director (operations) Ismail Abdul Ghani said initial investigations revealed that two people died, while 19 others — 16 Chinese nationals and three Malaysians — were injured.
Later, Bentong police chief Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar said the bus driver, who had been detained, had 27 previous traffic summonses.
He said the summonses were issued for various traffic offences, including operating a bus without a licence.
He said the driver had been remanded for four days until Wednesday for investigations under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Zaiham said police will record statements from several people, including the bus operator, injured passengers and witnesses at the scene to facilitate investigations.
The tour company's operating licence has also been suspended.
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the suspension was pending the outcome of investigations into the accident.