The operator of the express bus service, Ekspress Senibudaya (M) Sdn Bhd, and its driver who allegedly punched a passenger have been ordered to appear before the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) today to have their statements recorded.

SPAD, in a statement yesterday, said the commission would record their statements on the incident which happened last Sunday (Aug 27).

Based on a police report by the passenger, aged 56, the incident happened after he contacted the express bus company to report on the bus driver having fallen asleep behind the wheel. The bus was heading from Kuala Lumpur to Johor.

The victim claimed that after picking up a few passengers at the Seremban bus terminal, the bus continued its journey to Johor and while treading the congested road, the driver fell asleep behind the wheel.

Realising that the passenger reported the matter to the bus company, the driver stopped the bus and assaulted him, including punching him on the face, before other passengers went to his aid.

SPAD said the victim had lodged a report with the commission's office in Johor Bahru.

Although the express bus operator had taken immediate action against the driver concerned, the incident is regretted, said SPAD, adding that legal action could be taken against the bus operator and driver concerned.

Bus operators and drivers are reminded to give priority to the welfare and safety of passengers at all times, it said.

-- BERNAMA