Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Transport is considering a proposal to establish the Malaysian Transportation Safety Board (MTSB), a dedicated body to investigate road accidents in Malaysia, as revealed in the Dewan Rakyat today. The initiative aims to enhance road safety across the nation by conducting thorough investigations into incidents.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Anthony Loke stated that the proposal stems from recommendations made by a special task force. This task force was assembled by the ministry to investigate two significant accidents: one involving members of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) in Teluk Intan, and another a tour bus crash carrying students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Gerik, Perak, earlier this year.

Minister Loke acknowledged the complexities involved in establishing a new body or agency, highlighting the lengthy and intricate process required. This response came during a query from Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN-Jerantut) regarding the government's commitment to the task force's recommendations, particularly concerning the MTSB.

Additionally, Loke announced the ministry's plans to introduce initiatives aimed at elevating the status of the driving profession. This includes training programs to produce more competent and professional drivers, emphasizing the importance of respect and social status within the profession.

Loke also addressed the ongoing shortage of bus and lorry drivers, attributing it to a lack of interest and low wages. He underscored the ministry's efforts to ensure fair compensation for drivers, given their working hours, workload, and associated risks.

Furthermore, Loke stressed the importance of hiring qualified drivers, noting that the ministry is developing a database to identify individuals with past offences, especially those related to dangerous driving, to prevent their employment in the industry.