PUTRAJAYA: The express bus company involved in the recent electrocution of a passenger has failed the Industry Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health for Road Transport Activities 2010 audit.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said following this, the Road Transport Department (RTD) would refer the matter to the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), which has the authority to suspend the company's operational permit.
"APAD will issue a (suspension) letter for a certain period but they (the bus company) may appeal," Loke said after officiating the Cahaya Kasih Madani event here.
On Nov 1, Mohamad Nur Asymawi Jasmadi, 18, was electrocuted while charging his phone on an express bus at the Penang Sentral bus terminal in Butterworth.
In response, Loke announced that the ministry would activate a task force, comprising RTD, APAD and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, to investigate the cause of the incident, prevent recurrence, and ensure passenger safety.
Earlier today, Loke said the ministry would review the standard operating procedures for power socket use on buses, as no such standard currently exists.
Loke also dismissed allegations of power abuse, clarifying that the suspension only applied to the specific bus involved in the incident, not the entire company's operations.
He said the decision to suspend the bus's operation was to allow for a police investigation.
"The bus has been held by the police for investigation because there was a death on board. So do not make baseless accusations against the Transport Ministry or myself, claiming I have abused power.
"All actions taken are based on legal provisions, and we will fully adhere to existing processes and procedures. No one is being victimised. What matters is ensuring public safety."
Previously, it was reported that MCA Youth deputy chief Mike Chong Yew Chuan criticised the decision to suspend the express bus company's operation, saying the ministry should have identified the cause of the incident before taking action.