On Christmas eve, Johoreans and Malaysians wake up to the news of another fatal bus crash.
An express bus travelling north plunged into a ravine of the North South Expressway at KM137 near Kampung Jayo, Pagoh, killing 13 people and injuring 17 others.
DAP Johor expresses our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for speedy recovery of those who are injured.
I am particularly saddened by this morning’s incident as I have been speaking up inside and outside Parliament on the need for the Government, especially Transport Ministry, to fully implement the proposals and recommendation of the Independent Advisory Panel to the Minister of Transport on the 21 August 2013 Bus Crash at KM 3.6 Genting Highlands – Kuala Lumpur Road (“The Genting Crash Report”) to prevent the reoccurance of deadly bus accidents.
The Genting incident was the nation’s deadliest bus accident in history which claimed 37 lives.
The Transport Ministry and Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) must have the political resolve to shake up the long distance bus industry to prevent any future incidents. Licencing, salary and welfare of drivers and safety standards of the buses, among others, are key areas of concerns that require firm and decisive leadership to impose reforms.
(Media statement by DAP Johor Chairman and MP for Kluang Liew Chin Tong in Kluang on 24th December 2016.)
To all Malaysians who created the GE14 miracle, keep fighting. We will be back stronger.