Express bus driver in Pagoh mishap free of RTD offences

The express bus driver who was killed in an accident involving the bus at Km137.3 of the North-South Expressway (northbound) yesterday, was free from any offence under the Road Transport Department (RTD).

"Based on a check, we find Zakeer Zubir, 32, who was also killed in the mishap near the Pagoh Rest and Service Area, was free of any offence under RTD," RTD director-general Datuk Seri Nadzri Siron said.

He was speaking to reporters after RTD's Phase One Op Jalan in Jalan Bangsar, here today.

In addition, he said the public service vehicle (PSV) operator licence and PUSPAKOM inspection (report) of the driver were also valid and active.

In the mishap early yesterday morning, the bus plunged into a ravine and hit the concrete wall of a tunnel in Kampung Jayor, killing 14 people and injuring 16.

However, Nadzri said the company operating the bus, Goldstar Express (M) Sdn Bhd, was found to have eight outstanding RTD summonses between 2014 and 2015.

Nadzri said RTD would cooperate with the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) and PDRM to investigate the cause of the mishap and the result would be announced from time to time.

Meanwhile, in Phase One Op Jalan, Nadzri said 243 notices were issued after 816 motorcycles were inspected for motorcycle specification inspection for not complying with RTD's regulations. -- Bernama