Muar bus crash: Operator's licence suspended - SPAD

The service licence of Goldstar Express (M) Sdn Bhd, the operator of the express bus involved in the accident at Km137.3 of the North-South Highway (Plus) near Kampung Jayor, Pagoh, Johor this morning has been suspended with immediate effect.

The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) said in a statement that the decision was taken until a complete probe on the safety of passengers had been carried out to enable investigation by the agencies concerned.

"The investigation is being headed by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), while SPAD will investigate any violation of the Industry Code of Practice (SPAD ICOP)," it said here today.

SPAD said it would not tolerate any violation of the safety practices and stern action under the provision of the law would be taken if the bus operator had failed to adhere to the practices.

"Passenger safety is a priority under the terms of the SPAD Operator's Licence, all operators of land public transport must adhere to the highest standard in operating their vehicles.

"The Commission will not hesitate to revoke the operator's licence and permit of those found to have breached the mandatory safety requirement under the terms of the Operator's Licence," the statement added.

Early this morning, the bus crashed into a 10-metre deep ravine before hitting against the concrete wall of the tunnel at Kampung Jayor, near the Pagoh rest and service area killing 14 people and injuring 16 others. -- BERNAMA