Teluk Intan: The owner of the lorry company linked to the fatal crash involving a Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) vehicle on Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam will be taken to court. Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will initiate action against the company.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operator's license has been revoked, and legal action will be taken against the company owner in court through JPJ. Loke mentioned that the families of the victims could also pursue civil action against the company to seek damages and compensation.
The accident, which occurred at 8.54 am on May 13, involved a collision between a Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) lorry and a tipper lorry that allegedly veered into the opposite lane. The crash resulted in the deaths of nine FRU members and left nine others injured.
In another development, Loke commented on the decision to return the authority to regulate tourism transport, particularly tour buses, to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). He indicated that this decision is subject to Cabinet approval and that he has no objections to the move. The matter has been under discussion for the past two years.
Loke clarified that the issue is not a reaction to the recent tragedy involving Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students. He stated his willingness to hand back regulatory authority to MOTAC if sightseeing bus safety can be assured, but emphasized that the final decision lies with the Cabinet.
The call for returning tourism transport regulatory authority to MOTAC came after a fatal bus crash in Gerik, Perak, which claimed the lives of 15 UPSI students. MOTAC highlighted that the tragedy exposed significant issues within the current tourism transport safety system.
Loke also urged the bus operators' association to provide evidence or information regarding the alleged practice of leasing bus permits. He noted that earlier cooperation from the association could have led to measures that might have prevented the recent fatal accident.
In the accident mentioned, 15 UPSI students lost their lives when their bus overturned at KM53, East-West Highway, near Tasik Banding, Gerik.