Major crackdown begins. Road Transport Department and AADK officers inspecting tour buses and vans at the RTD Enforcement Station in Gombak on Tuesday. —AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The crackdown on tour bus companies may be extended, says Road Transport Department (JPJ) senior enforcement director (Legal Division) Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan.
He said the duration of the joint enforcement operations would depend on the situation.
"The joint operation with the police, National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and Tourism Ministry is supposed to go on till July 31.
"However, if we are still not satisfied with the situation, the operations will carry on till a directive is issued by the minister," he told reporters during inspections of tour buses and vans at the JPJ Enforcement Centre in Gombak on Tuesday (July 2).
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He said that there would be no compromise with bus drivers or companies that flout road safety regulations.
On Monday (July 1), Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced a major crackdown on tour bus and van operators following the fatal accident involving a tour bus.
Last Saturday (June 29), a tour bus carrying 21 people overturned while descending from Genting Highlands, killing two Chinese tourists.
Initial investigation revealed that the 32-year-old bus driver had 27 previous traffic summonses for various offences and did not have a licence.
The company was found to be operating without a permit for four months, using 15 permits for tour buses and 18 for factory buses.
The driver has since been remanded for further investigations.
Loke said he had instructed the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) to take stern action against the company, including suspension and revocation of its operating licence, if it is found to have violated regulations.
