Double-decker buses barred from six ‘danger’ routes

PUTRAJAYA: Double-decker buses have been barred indefinitely from using six routes which have been described as dangerous for them.

The routes are to Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, Fraser’s Hill, Bukit Larut, Bukit Tinggi and Gunung Jerai.

The indefinite ban will take effect on May 1, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi.

“Bus operators will have about two weeks to make all the necessary adjustments with regard to their double-decker services using these routes.

“Services of double-decker buses using routes other than the six are not effected by this decision,” he told reporters after chairing the bus accident special committee meeting here yesterday.

Abdul Aziz added that the Government was still studying the suitability of such buses in Malaysia.

“Until we come out with a final decision, the ban on these buses from using the six routes is indefinite,” he said.

On Sunday, a double-decker ex­­press bus plunged down a slope along the Kuantan-Segamat trunk road causing the death of a passenger.

The bus was carrying about 40 people when it crashed near the Sungai Jernih plantation at around 4.40pm.

On April 12, a Transnasional double-decker bus hit an electric pole and overturned in Bentong, killing three passengers.