Express bus company failed safety code – Loke

Last week, an 18-year old was sadly fatally electrocuted while charging his phone through a power socket on an express bus at Penang Sentral.

Since then, the transport ministry has activated an investigative task force comprising the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), Puspakom and Sirim.

The bus’ operation was immediately suspended, and yesterday, APAD banned the use of all express buses’ charging sockets temporarily until the investigation is complete.

Now, Bernama reports that the company of the express bus in question has failed JPJ’s Occupational Safety and Health Industry Code of Practice for Road Transport Activities 2010 (ICOP) audit. As a result, the company faces the suspension of its operating permit.

Express bus company failed safety code – Loke

“The ICOP audit has been conducted, and indeed, they (the company) failed. JPJ will refer the matter to APAD, as the authority for suspending permits lies with APAD, (which will) issue a letter of action against them (the company) for a specified period, during which they may appeal to the Minister’s Office,” transport minister Anthony Loke told reporters.

Responding to MCA Youth deputy chairman Mike Chong Yew Chuan saying in a Sinar Harian report two days ago that Loke instructing APAD to immediately suspend the bus company’s operations was hasty and done without understanding the incident’s actual cause, Loke said, “Firstly, he did not do his homework, and his facts are incorrect. I only stated that the bus operation was suspended, not the company’s permit.”

“All our actions are based on legal provisions, and we will fully comply with existing processes and procedures. No one is being victimised, what is important is ensuring public safety,” he said.

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