BENTONG: Bus drivers involved in road accidents will have their Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences suspended only if thorough investigations determine they were responsible for serious offences, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said this approach is designed to ensure road safety while upholding the driver’s right to a fair and comprehensive investigation.
“A PSV licence won’t be suspended just because a driver was involved in an accident.
“A full investigation will be carried out first. If the driver is found to have committed a serious offence, such as reckless driving, only then will their PSV licence be suspended,” he told reporters after the East Coast Rail Link’s (ECRL) Genting Tunnel breakthrough ceremony here yesterday.
Loke said that previously, disciplinary measures could only be implemented following a court verdict, which is a process that may extend over several years.
He said that during the period, drivers who posed a potential risk were still allowed on the roads.
“We can’t allow a driver involved in a serious accident to continue operating a bus for three or four years just because the case is pending in court.
“That would endanger passengers’ lives. This is why we’re using existing Road Transport Department powers to act earlier, though still based on proper investigations,” he added.
Loke acknowledged the differing views from drivers’ associations and bus companies but stressed that passenger safety must always take precedence.
“Public sentiment calls for stricter and faster action against reckless drivers, and that’s what we’re prioritising,” said Loke.
He said bus companies would also face consequences if found neglecting safety procedures or failing to adhere to standard operating procedures.
Previously, it was reported that the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) had slammed the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for requiring tour companies to submit a report within 24 hours of any accident or risk having their business licences cancelled.
Its president Nigel Wong said the move was an “extreme” measure introduced without consulting industry players.
