Comprehensive set of guidelines for electrical wiring in buses to be developed within six months – Loke

The transport ministry says that a comprehensive set of guidelines for electrical wiring in buses will be developed within six months. According to transport minister Anthony Loke, the process will take time as it requires engaging stakeholders and making necessary regulatory changes as well as securing approval from the attorney general’s chambers.

This comes after the fatal electrocution of an 18-year-old passenger on an express bus in Penang earlier this month due to faulty electrical wiring that did not comply with safety standards.

“Following the tragic incident, it’s clear that there is a need for comprehensive guidelines on bus electrical wiring. It is deeply saddening but has raised awareness about the urgent need for proper guidelines. This is a gap we have identified,” he said.

Loke noted that presently, buses are not required to adhere to specific standards for electrical wiring. While mechanical and other safety requirements must be met for approval from the road transport department (JPJ), no such regulations exist for electrical wiring, as The Star reports.

He said the use of three-pin electrical sockets and USB ports on all vehicles in bus operators’ fleets have been suspended, and this will suspension will remain in place until new policies and wiring guidelines are issued by the transport ministry.

“The victim was using a USB. The victim did not use a three-pin socket but a USB connected to a three-pin socket. Therefore, for now, we are prohibiting all usage until inspections on the standards within buses are completed,” he explained.

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