Two Chinese tourists die after coach overturns in Genting Highlands; driver did not have a driving licence

Two Chinese citizens were killed when a coach driven by an unlicensed man overturned on the way from Genting Highlands on June 29, the New Straits Times (NST) reported.

The coach was carrying 21 people – 18 Chinese tourists and three Malaysians – when the accident occurred at around 10:40 a.m.

Pahang Fire and Rescue Department director Wan Mohamad Zaidi Wan Isa told The Star that both male victims suffered head injuries and their bodies had been taken to Bentong Hospital.

The department’s deputy head of operations, Ismail Abdul Ghani, added that the two victims were trapped in the vehicle while the other passengers managed to exit the vehicle with minor injuries, NST reported.

Gaming giant Genting Malaysia, which operates an integrated resort in Genting Highlands, said in a statement that the coach carrying Chinese tourists from Yunnan belongs to a third-party operator.

The 32-year-old bus driver was driving without a license, said Bentong District Police Chief Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar, adding that the man had been issued 27 traffic violations.

The latest accident is a “stark reminder of the ongoing road safety problems” in Malaysia, said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community.

“There have been similar accidents that have required investigations and submission of detailed reports to the relevant authorities,” he told NST.

“These reports contain recommendations to prevent future tragedies, but the target of zero accidents on the Genting Highlands route has still not been achieved.”

Mr. Lee also stressed the need to implement and adhere to safety protocols.

“This is crucial. If these rules, regulations and standard procedures are not put into practice, accidents will continue to occur,” he said.

Additional reporting by Ian Cheng