PUTRAJAYA: The operating licence of the trailer company involved in the fatal collision with several vehicles in Penang on Wednesday (Nov 13) may face suspension, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said such action could be implemented if the company fails an audit or was found to have violated safety regulations.
“This incident should not have happened, and the ministry is taking it seriously,” he said during a press conference after officiating the Maritime Economy Workshop on Thursday (Nov 14).
Loke said he has also instructed the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) to conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
ALSO READ: Woman crushed to death by container
He said Miros will carry out further investigations to establish whether it was a technical issue or negligence.
“I see an element of negligence and failure to adhere to safety protocols by the trailer operator.
“It is understood that the container was 20 feet long, while the trailer could accommodate two containers. However, on that day, it was only carrying one container,” he was quoted as saying by Malay language daily Sinar Harian.
On Wednesday, a 21-year-old woman was killed and a man was injured when the car they were driving was crushed by the container carried by a trailer on Jalan Bukit Tengah in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
ALSO READ: Family mourns Penang woman crushed to death by container
The incident involved four other vehicles and a three-tonne lorry.
The trailer driver has been remanded for four days until this Sunday (Nov 17) to assist in the investigation.
Loke also expressed his disappointment, adding that the trailer driver appeared to be insensitive to the victims’ plight.
“I was informed that he was taken to court today and made a ‘peace’ sign.
ALSO READ: Penang police detain driver for causing fatal accident with toppled container
“People like this not only display no remorse but also have no sensitivity towards the victims’ families,” he said.
Meanwhile, Loke said he had yet to receive any information on the allegations that a shipping company operating in the country has been delivering firearms to Israel.
“We need to investigate if such allegations exist, and the ministry will look into the appropriate actions to be taken,” he added.
