Genting Highlands bus crash: Unlicensed driver with record of traffic violations

MALAYSIA: The driver of the tour bus that crashed while descending from Genting Highlands on Saturday (29 June) resulting in the deaths of two Chinese tourists, did not have a valid driving license and had a record of multiple traffic violations.

Bentong police chief Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar confirmed that the 32-year-old driver had been issued 27 summonses for various offenses, primarily for driving without a valid license.

Among the violations, the driver had previously been cited for running a red light, being involved in an accident, and driving without a valid road tax.

Following the accident, he has been remanded for four days until Wednesday (3 July), pending investigations under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

The tragic accident occurred when a tour bus carrying 21 people overturned while descending from Genting Highlands on Saturday morning.

The accident resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals, identified as Zhang Ping, 58, and Wang Shuhong, 49.

Pahang Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Dr Wan Mohamad Zaidi Wan Isa stated that both victims suffered head injuries and their bodies were sent to Bentong Hospital, Pahang.

Among the 21 passengers, including the driver, three are locals, while the rest are Chinese nationals, consisting of seven women and 11 men.

Eight victims are currently receiving treatment at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.

The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry announced it would temporarily suspend the license of the travel agency involved in the crash if investigations reveal non-compliance with standard operating procedures.

Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing stated that a comprehensive investigation is underway, including scrutinizing the travel agency and its subsidiary for any breach of SOPs.

“If the investigation finds that they (the travel agency) are at fault, their license will be revoked immediately,” he said during a press conference after visiting the crash victims at Kuala Lumpur Hospital alongside Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing on Sunday (30 June).

Minister Tiong added that the passengers were on a six-day trip in Malaysia and had to change buses three times, indicating poor maintenance.

He also mentioned that a special meeting between his ministry and the Transport Ministry would be held on Tuesday (2 July) to discuss the incident and standard operating procedures for tour companies and buses under the Transport Ministry via the Road Transport Department.

Minister Tiong apologized to all victims involved in the accident and stated that if the tour company were found to be negligent, the ministry would cancel its license.