PETALING JAYA: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has suspended the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence of the bus driver involved in the Gerik crash that led to the deaths of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students on June 9.
In a statement Monday (June 16), JPJ said the action was taken under Section 56(4) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
“JPJ has also opened an investigation paper against the owner of the company operating the vehicle involved, as well as the company that leased the permit to operate the bus,” it said.
As a proactive measure to protect public interest and ensure road user safety, the suspension of the licence will remain in effect until the investigation is completed, it added.
JPJ also stated its commitment to continue to prioritise road safety, adding that it will not compromise on any form of violation of laws that will endanger the lives of road users.
Puspakom’s preliminary technical report released on Saturday (June 14) revealed that the brakes on the bus involved in the crash students were in working condition. The bus driver had reportedly claimed that the brakes were not functioning well.
Puspakom's report indicated that an inspection of the brakes, lining and drums showed no signs of wear.
"Inspection of the air compressor tank also found there was no air pressure leakage," the report stated.
The tyres were also found to be in satisfactory condition and compliant with JPJ specifications. Additionally, the steering and suspension system were deemed satisfactory.
On June 9, 15 UPSI students were killed when their chartered bus overturned after colliding with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on the East-West Highway near Gerik. The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver, his assistant, the MPV driver and three passengers in the MPV.
The bus driver, who has since been charged in court, had claimed that the bus suffered brake failure during the incident.
