REMBAU 11 October - The Delima express bus involved in a highway pile-up near Pedas here was a three-year-old vehicle and its engine and tyres were in fairly good condition, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha here yesterday.
He said the single-deck bus was sent for Puspakom inspections regularly and that the 52-year-old bus driver, who was killed in the 7pm incident on Sunday, did not have any outstanding traffic summonses issued while the driver's license and bus permit were valid.

"Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the accident but a preliminary report shows that the express bus is fairly new and had been on the road for only three years. Its tyres and the condition of the vehicle is well-maintained," he told reporters after visiting the scene of the accident, here.

Kong also said a joint committee comprising the Road Safety Department, Road Transport Department and the Malaysian Institue of Road Safety Research has been set up to investigate the accident.


"The road along this stretch is very straight and we are looking into all the possible factors which could have contributed to the collision. Among them are the bus steering, brake system, weather and the guardrail and alignment of the road.

"Our priority us clearly to deal with the immediate situation. The committee members are to bring their expertise and knowledge to come up with practical and workable recommendations to prevent future occurences," he said.

He added that the proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987, which is to be tabled at the next Parliament sitting, will include giving authority to Road Transport Department enforcement officers to act against commercial vehicle drivers, who drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

"Currently only the police and the National Anti Drugs Agency are given the power to take action against such drivers. However my ministry will propose that RTD enforcement officers are given the power to do the same.

"This will help the authorities nab and keep irresponsible drivers off the roads and ensure the safety of motorists," said Kong, who later visited the road crash victims at the Tuanku Jaafar Hospital in Seremban.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of the 12 victims, who died in the accident at KM223, Simpang Ampat of the North-South Highway, and wished the 45 injured victims a speedy recovery.