PETALING JAYA: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah says the government must seriously address road accidents, especially those involving heavy vehicles.
In a statement, the Sultan and Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, expressed their condolences to the families of the nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel who were killed in a tragic accident in Perak on Tuesday (May 13).
His Royal Highness said he was disappointed as he had repeatedly expressed concerns over the matter, particularly regarding the punishment of drivers or companies found to be negligent and failing to meet established safety standards.
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"In view of the rising number of such incidents and the increasing frequency of road accidents, His Royal Highness wants the authorities to take firmer and more immediate action.
"If found guilty and responsible for fatal accidents or causing serious injuries, the drivers and the companies involved should not only be fined or jailed, but also have their driving licences revoked.
"This would serve as a lesson to other drivers, so they remain vigilant and give their full attention when driving," read a statement on the Selangor Royal Office Facebook page on Thursday (May 15).
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His Royal Highness also urged companies operating lorries, buses and other heavy vehicles to implement strict assessments when selecting drivers and assistants, ensuring they are free from misconduct and do not pose any risk.
"All parties should not turn a blind eye to or take lightly matters that could lead to negligence, such as vehicle conditions and driver qualifications.
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"His Royal Highness hopes and prays that such tragic accidents will not happen again, especially those that claim the lives of innocent people, particularly those serving the country," the statement added.
The crash occurred when a lorry transporting 18 FRU personnel to Ipoh from an assignment in Teluk Intan was struck by a gravel-laden lorry along Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam.
Nine FRU personnel were killed in the crash, two were seriously injured, and seven others sustained minor injuries.
