KUALA LUMPUR: The government should expedite the establishment of an independent Transport Safety Board as Malaysians cannot afford further delays in strengthening transport safety across all sectors, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said the proposal, which was first mooted after the 2013 bus crash near Genting Highlands that killed 37 people, had remained unresolved more than a decade later despite repeated reminders.
"Malaysia still does not have a dedicated and independent body to investigate major transport accidents and recommend systemic safety improvements. This must change,” he said when contacted on Sunday (Nov 23).
Lee said a modern transport system, whether involving roads, rail, maritime or aviation, required a professional and impartial entity to conduct transparent investigations free from conflicts of interest.
"At present, multiple agencies investigate accidents while also holding regulatory or enforcement powers. This naturally leads to overlaps and weakens public confidence,” he said.
According to him, a Transport Safety Board would enable thorough, unbiased investigations, faster and more consistent findings, and evidence-based recommendations to strengthen national transport policy.
He said such a board would also consolidate investigations across all modes of transport and enhance public trust through open reporting and clear accountability.
Lee noted that many nations, including the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, had long-established independent investigation bodies that have contributed to significant reductions in accidents and fatalities.
With rising traffic volumes and increasing reliance on public transport, Lee stressed that the creation of the board was “no longer optional but essential.
"We strongly urge the government to expedite its formation without further delay. The safety of Malaysian road users, transport workers, and the public must be prioritised.
"The establishment of this board will be a decisive step towards a safer, more accountable and world-class transport system for the nation," he added.
