KUANTAN: The driver of the tour bus that was involved in an accident which claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals on the way down from Genting Highlands on Saturday (Jun 29) has been remanded for four days.
Bentong district police chief Zaiham Mohd Kahar said the 32-year-old driver was detained at the Bentong District Police Headquarters at around 10.30pm on Saturday and remanded on Sunday to assist in the investigation.
It was reported that the bus driver did not have a driving licence and had 27 previous summonses for various traffic offences.
In the incident at about 11am, two Chinese nationals were killed while several others were injured when the bus, which was on its way to Kuala Lumpur, skidded and hit the road divider.
Eight victims are currently receiving treatment at the hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) said it would temporarily suspend the licence of the tour travel agency if investigations reveal the company failed to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Minister Tiong King Sing said a comprehensive investigation is underway into the travel agency and its subsidiary to identify any breach of SOPs.
“If the investigation finds that they (the travel agency) are at fault, their licence will be revoked immediately,” he told a press conference after visiting the crash victims at Kuala Lumpur Hospital on Sunday morning, along with Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
Tiong further said that a special meeting involving MOTAC, the Transport Ministry and the Road Transport Department is scheduled for Tuesday to discuss the probe.
“I want to seek explanations from both parties because based on complaints received, the tourists had to change buses three times during their six-day trip.
“This suggests that the buses are not well-maintained, including issues with air-conditioning and unusual noises,” he said.
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