KUALA LUMPUR: A comprehensive set of guidelines for electrical wiring in buses will be developed within six months, says the Transport Minister.
Anthony Loke explained that the process will take time, as it requires engaging stakeholders, making necessary regulatory changes and securing approval from the Attorney General’s Chambers, along with internal ministry procedures.
“Following the tragic incident (where a teenager was electrocution), it’s clear that there is a need for comprehensive guidelines on bus electrical wiring. This is a gap we have identified,” Loke said in a press conference at Parliament yesterday.
He has also temporarily suspended the use of three-pin electrical sockets and USB ports on all vehicles in bus operators’ fleets.
At present, he noted that buses are not required to adhere to specific standards for electrical wiring.
While mechanical and other safety requirements must be met for approval from the Road Transport Department (JPJ), no such regulations exist for electrical wiring.
“The incident, where a teenager lost his life due to electrocution, is deeply saddening but has raised awareness about the urgent need for proper guidelines,” Loke added.
“We also need to consider whether the issue lies with the wiring, not just the sockets or USB ports.
“The victim was using a USB. The victim did not use a three-pin socket but a USB connected to a three-pin socket.
“Therefore, for now, we are prohibiting all usage until inspections on the standards within buses are completed,” he said.
He assured the public that stricter regulations and improved oversight would be implemented to ensure safer public transportation services.
He revealed earlier that faulty electrical wiring on an express bus that led to the tragic death of an 18-year-old passenger did not comply with safety standards.
Loke said a special task force set up to investigate the incident identified several critical issues with the bus’ wiring and electrical equipment.
According to the task force’s report, the wiring from the distribution box to the socket was installed in reverse, and the electrical equipment did not meet safety standards.
Additionally, the wiring installation was carried out by unlicensed personnel, which violated guidelines from the Energy Commission (ST).
Loke confirmed that immediate steps have been taken to address the issue and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“As an initial measure, the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) issued a show-cause letter to the operator, Konsortium Bas Ekspres Semenanjung (M) Sdn Bhd, on Nov 4.
“On Nov 5, JPJ, along with ST and the Fire and Rescue Department, inspected the bus in Butterworth, Penang,” he said.
Further inspections took place on Nov 6 at the manufacturer’s premises in Beranang, Selangor, with representatives from ST, JPJ, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research and the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia.
Apad also identified another bus from the same operator with similar electrical wiring problems, prompting a temporary suspension.
In response to these findings, Loke stated that Apad issued a directive on Nov 6 for all bus operators to immediately cease using three-pin electrical sockets on their buses.
The suspension will remain until new policies and wiring guidelines are issued by the Transport Ministry.
Looking ahead, Loke announced that both new and existing bus operators will be required to submit certified inspection reports or certificates for additional electrical wiring installations from accredited bodies recognised by the Department of Standards Malaysia.
To prevent future incidents, Loke stated that the ministry would enforce stricter safety standards for electrical wiring and related equipment in public transport vehicles, alongside enhanced monitoring and tighter compliance measures to safeguard passenger safety.
The full investigation report from the special task force will be presented to the Transport Ministry in due course.
