Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will develop a database system for express and tour bus drivers, complete with their previous records, to improve the safety of public land transportation. Its Minister, Anthony Loke, said the system, to be developed by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), would enable bus companies to assess the eligibility and background of drivers before hiring them.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the current system does not cover all drivers comprehensively, only including licensing details. Minister Loke highlighted the issue of companies lacking reference points to check drivers' previous records. He emphasized that drivers dismissed for misconduct could still find employment with other companies, as there is no unified system tracking their history and integrity.

These remarks were made at a joint media conference with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, following a tragic bus accident involving Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students. On June 16, a chartered bus carrying these students overturned after colliding with a Perodua Alza vehicle, resulting in 15 fatalities and injuries to 33 others, including the bus driver and his assistant, as well as occupants of the Alza.

Additionally, Loke announced that the preliminary report on the May 13 fatal crash involving Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel in Perak is set to be released on the MOT's website. The report will contain findings from technical agencies like the Road Transport Department and the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom).

The May 13 incident involved a collision between a lorry and a truck carrying 18 FRU personnel, returning from an assignment in Teluk Intan, resulting in the deaths of nine personnel. The release of this report aims to provide transparency and facilitate research by experts in road safety and mechanics.