PETALING JAYA: Anthony Loke says that the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) has issued a show-cause letter to the bus operator involved in the tragic bus crash in Gerik.
"The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is undertaking safety inspections and audits on the bus and the company, in compliance with the Road Transport Act and the Land Public Transport Act.
"Firm action will be taken once the investigation is completed," said the Transport Minister.
He also extended his condolences to the families of the 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students who tragically lost their lives in a bus crash in Gerik.
He also vowed to implement changes to strengthen road safety policies in Malaysia.
"I am deeply saddened and affected by this tragic accident. Each life lost is a significant loss not only to the families, but to the future of our country.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time," he said in a Facebook post on Monday (June 9).
He also emphasised the government's commitment to enhancing road safety measures, particularly to address threats posed by irresponsible drivers and heavy vehicles not meeting safety standards.
"We are committed to protecting road users. Among the policies being drafted is the mandatory implementation of speed limiters for heavy vehicles," he said, adding that the policy is currently under comprehensive review to prevent any manipulation upon enforcement.
Loke also acknowledged the swift actions of the Higher Education Ministry and UPSI management in providing support to the bereaved families.
"This incident serves as a stark reminder to all parties – the government, operators and society – that there can be no compromise on the safety of lives," he said.
Earlier on Monday, 15 UPSI students were killed in the accident along the East-West Highway in Banun, Gerik, and 27 other students, the bus driver and his assistant, as well as three passengers of another multi-purpose vehicle, were injured.
The bus, which was carrying 42 students, overturned while the MPV, carrying four people, veered into a ditch.
Preliminary investigations showed that the bus, driven by a substitute driver from another bus company, collided with the MPV before overturning. The bus is also believed to have been speeding, based on victims' accounts.
