KUALA LUMPUR: The driver involved in last month’s tour bus accident near Taiping, which claimed the life of a Japanese tourist and injured others, is set to be charged in court.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) announced that the driver would face charges under the Road Transport Act 1987.
“Motac will also investigate the tour company involved under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 to determine if negligence occurred in performing their duties.
“We take this matter seriously, as it has had a significant impact on the local tourism industry and economy,” the ministry said in a statement on Saturday (Nov 30).
Motac also reminded all tourism agencies to ensure the safety of their transport services.
“Tour buses must be properly licensed, and prospective drivers should be thoroughly vetted to guarantee the safety of passengers and tourists,” the statement read.
Expressing condolences to the victim’s family, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to introducing further measures to enhance tourist safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We held engagements with stakeholders on Nov 20 and have obtained all medical, forensic, and police reports for further investigation and insurance claim purposes,” it added.
The accident occurred on Oct 24 when the tour bus carrying 13 people, including 11 Japanese tourists aged between 58 and 80, crashed into the back of a lorry at KM230.3 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) near Taiping.
A Japanese woman, one of the victims, later succumbed to her injuries. The group had been travelling from Penang to Cameron Highlands at the time of the crash.
On Nov 15, Minister Tiong King Sing revealed that the tourists involved were participants in a tour package jointly offered by Nankai Electric Railway Co Ltd and JTB Corporation.
Tiong said he recently met Naoto Ashibe, the representative director of Nankai Electric Railway Co Ltd, to convey his apologies and extend condolences to the families of the affected tourists.
“I assured him that we would forward the police investigation report and, if necessary, instruct Tourism Malaysia to assist with any related claims,” Tiong said.
He added that the meeting included discussions on improving safety in bus travel.
