Muar bus tragedy: Transport Ministry orders comprehensive investigation

The Transport Ministry has ordered the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), the Road Transport Department (RTD) and the Road Safety Department to investigate the crash involving an express bus in which 14 people were killed in Muar, Johor, early this morning.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry viewed seriously the incident and the investigation should cover various aspects to determine the cause.

"The outcome of the comprehensive investigation will be used by the ministry to make the necessary improvements of all aspects to avoid a similar incident," he said in a statement here today.

Liow said MIROS would work with the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to collect the date at the scene of the crash.

"MIROS and SPAD will also work together to audit the express bus company," he added.

Liow said motorists should take and learn from the tragedy involving the express bus by being cautious when on the road.

The crash occurred at 3.25 am at Km137.3 of the North-South Expressway (north bound), near Kampung Jayor, Pagoh, Muar, Johor.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims involved in the bus tragedy early this morning.

Nancy said a multi-agency investigation into the crash was commenced immediately, with MIROS to look into the crash aspect, while SPAD would focus on adherence to SPAD safety guidelines.

"I have conveyed to SPAD the need to expedite the investigations and apply the heaviest penalty to the party found to be responsible," she added.

Nancy also said she strongly supported the standard operating procedures (SOP) of SPAD to suspend the operation of Goldstar Express Sdn Bhd, which is the operator of the express bus, pending the results of the investigation. -- BERNAMA