Malaysia’s transport ministry will begin a “major crackdown” on tour buses, following a fatal bus crash in Genting Highlands.
The driver of a tour bus that crashed while descending from Genting
Highlands on 29 June 2024 has been arrested, according to Malaysia's
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. The
incident resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals.
The incident occurred around 11am when the bus, en route to Kuala Lumpur, skidded and hit a road divider.
Reports indicate that the 32-year-old bus driver did not possess a
valid driving license and had 27 previous traffic summonses for various
offences.
Tiong stated, "We are saddened by the incident and we will ensure a
thorough investigation." He visited eight victims receiving treatment at
Hospital Kuala Lumpur on 30 June, accompanied by China's ambassador to
Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing.
Preliminary investigations revealed multiple issues during the
tourists' six-day trip, including changing buses three times. Tiong
warned, "If the investigation finds that they (the travel agency) are at
fault, their licence will be revoked immediately."
The minister announced a special meeting with the Transport Ministry
and Road Transport Department on 2 July to discuss the probe. He added,
"I want to seek explanations from both parties because based on
complaints received, the tourists had to change buses three times during
their six-day trip. This suggests that the buses are not
well-maintained, including issues with air-conditioning and unusual
noises."