PETALING JAYA: Tighter regulation of tourist vehicles, stricter driver background checks, and tougher road safety enforcement are urged by Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing following the Genting Highlands bus crash on May 30.
Previously, it was reported that seven individuals had been injured in an accident involving two tour buses and a sports utility vehicle (SUV) at KM15 of the Genting Highlands-Genting Sempah downhill road on May 30.
To which the Tourism, Arts and Culture minister said preliminary investigations with relevant stakeholders suggest the accident may have been caused by brake system failure, though the actual cause is still awaiting confirmation from the technical unit.
In his statement on June 9, he also revealed that the driver involved had six JPJ offences and 29 police traffic records, including speeding, driving without a valid vocational licence (PSV), driving without a licence, running red lights, and using a mobile phone while driving.
Calling the urgent need to tighten regulation of tourist vehicles, Tiong said drivers with multiple outstanding summonses, expired road tax, reckless driving, or poorly maintained vehicles must face stricter enforcement under the law.
He also proposed adding effective traffic‑calming facilities such as speed bumps, especially on downhill routes in Genting Highlands.
“Critical entry and exit points should be prioritised to reduce speed and accident risks,” he said.
He said that JPJ had previously suggested installing speed traps along the route, but as the road is privately owned, approval has not yet been granted.
"Currently, only a few CCTV systems are in place. There should be an urgent review and faster implementation of more technology‑based monitoring to improve road safety management.
“High‑tech monitoring is not meant to burden, but to protect lives. Any step that strengthens regulation and raises road safety standards must be expedited,” he said.
Tiong said that his ministry would hold further discussions with Genting Highlands management to examine current road safety management in detail.
“Both parties will explore immediate solutions, including traffic‑calming facilities, monitoring devices, and other relevant initiatives.
“Safety measures cannot only be taken after accidents occur. We must act preventively and minimise risks as much as possible.
“Although the route is privately managed, it directly involves tourist and public road user safety,” he stressed.
