KUALA LUMPUR: The driver involved in the tour bus accident near Taiping that killed a Japanese tourist and injured others last month will be prosecuted.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) said the driver will be charged under the Road Transport Act.
“Motac will also investigate the company involved under the Tourism Industry Act in terms of whether they were negligent in performing their duties.
“We view the matter seriously as it has a huge impact on the local tourism industry and economy,” it said yesterday.
The ministry also reminded all tour agencies to provide safe tour buses and accredited transportation.
“They must also carefully check prospective drivers to ensure the safety of passengers and tourists,” it said.
Expressing sympathies and condolences to the victim’s next of kin, the ministry said it is committed to introducing additional measures to increase the safety of tourists and ensure such incidents do not recur.
Motac reported holding several engagements with stakeholders on Nov 20.
“We have also obtained all medical, forensic and police reports for further investigation and insurance claim purposes,” it said.
On Oct 24, 13 people, including 11 Japanese citizens, aged between 58 and 80, were injured when the bus they were travelling in crashed into the back of a lorry at KM230.3 of the North-South Expressway heading south near Taiping.
A 73-year-old Japanese woman, who was among the victims, died due to her injuries.
The tourists were en route to Cameron Highlands from Penang at the time of the incident.
On Nov 15, Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said among the victims in the tragedy were participants in a tour package jointly offered by Nankai Electric Railway Co Ltd and JTB Corporation.
Tiong said recently he met with Naoto Ashibe, director of Nankai Electric Railway, to convey his apologies and extend his 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,” he said.
