The recent news of the terrible bus accident at Genting Sempah has engulfed the people with grief. When investigation were carried out about the cause, situation and effects of the unfortunate incident something even more shocking was discovered; the bus driver never possessed a driving license. This was proved by the statement from Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha where he said that the bus driver was only issued a learner’s license and father that could not get his hands on a valid license when he was blacklisted years ago in 1997 because of his similar reckless driving incidents.
The Minister was exasperated at the carelessness of the bus operator who chose to keep this driver without investigating his past or being responsible enough to check his driving credentials. According to him not only should the driver be tried in court, but his employer needs to take full responsibility of the accident. The disturbing incident reached a death toll of 7 and injured 39 people. Kong has been assertive enough in following this accident by ordering the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to carry out a full investigation about the past records of the driver as well as the bus operator and to cohesively work with related authorities. Kong stressed that he wants strict action to be taken against the bus driver and operator if the charges prove against them. Investigations till now have shown that the bus actually was operated by a charter bus owner from Kuala Lampur. This has intrigued JPJ who is following closely on the information of why the bus was being operated as a tour bus when it was originally a charter bus. The bus operator had been clever enough to paint the bus like a tour travel which makes things seem fishy and a deliberate act on the part of the owner and driver to run this business. Investigations may reveal a partnership of some sort as both the accused seem to have shady history.
Selangor Traffic and Public Order chief Supt Che Husin Omer reported that the driver misinformed the police by showing the license as lost. When a counter check was done with JPJ things revealed otherwise. The driver is now being treated for a leg fracture at a Kuala Lampur Hospital. He has been taken under detention officially. The investigation will be done under Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987. This Act pertains to rules and regulations about road transport and driving and the Section 41 deals with issues orders for reckless driving that leads to death.
Supt Che Husin has been vigilant enough to get hold of the bus’ black box which contains important information about the travelling history of the bus. The driver’s records have been taken into possession and the police is now on the tail of the bus operator.
The bus had a group of 4B Youth Movement, Kampong Siong, Kedah which was going to Kuala Lampur from Genting Highlands. The father of Mohd. Ridzuan, who was killed in the accident, wanted the responsible individuals to be brought to justice.