Fatal bus accident in Genting Highlands: Driver in custody, travel agency’s license could be revoked

KUANTAN: The driver of the coach that was involved in an accident on the way from Genting Highlands on Saturday (June 29) that killed two Chinese nationals has been remanded in custody for four days.

Bentong District Police Chief Zaiham Mohd Kahar said the 32-year-old driver was arrested at the Bentong District Police Headquarters at around 10.30pm on Saturday and remanded in custody on Sunday to assist with investigations.

It was reported that the bus driver did not have a driving license and had already been summoned 27 times for various traffic offenses.

In the incident, which occurred around 11 a.m., two Chinese nationals were killed and several others injured when the bus, which was on its way to Kuala Lumpur, skidded and hit the road barrier.

Eight victims are currently being treated in hospital and are reportedly in stable condition.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) said it would temporarily suspend the travel agency’s license if investigations revealed that the company had not complied with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Minister Tiong King Sing said a comprehensive investigation would be carried out into the travel agency and its subsidiary to uncover any breaches of standard operating procedures.

“If the investigation shows that they (the travel agency) are at fault, their license will be revoked immediately,” he told a news conference after visiting the crash victims at Kuala Lumpur hospital on Sunday morning along with Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.

Tiong further said that a special meeting of MOTAC, the Ministry of Transport and the Road Traffic Authority was scheduled for Tuesday to discuss the investigation.

“I would like to ask both parties for explanations because, according to the complaints received, the tourists had to change buses three times during their six-day trip.

“This indicates that the buses are not well maintained and there are problems with the air conditioning and unusual noises, among other things,” he said.