Camerons crash: Probe report ready in a fortnight
Published: Tuesday December 21, 2010 MYT 8:56:00 PM
Updated: Tuesday December 21, 2010 MYT 9:12:13 PM
KUALA LUMPUR: The investigation paper on the double-decker express bus crash at KM15 of the Cameron Highlands-Simpang Pulai Road which killed 27 people, including 25 Thai tourists, is expected to be ready in two weeks.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) managing director Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said a detailed analysis of the crash was being done with the cooperation of other agencies like the police and Public Works Department.
"The probe is still in the early stage and the outcome is only expected in about two weeks' time as usually the case," he said Tuesday.
He, however, said that according to the standards, double-decker buses were not suitable for negotiating roads on hilly terrain.
"On a sloping road, the double-decker which is higher than normal buses, is not in a very stable condition and may pose a danger to the passengers. This type of bus is more suitable for flat roads."
Ahmad Farhan said bus operators should therefore take the suitability and conditions of buses into consideration before ferrying passengers to their destinations.
Bukit Aman Traffic chief Datuk Abdul Aziz Yusof said all aspects, including the condition of the bus and road were being covered in the police investigation into MOnday's horrific accident.
"At this moment, we should not be pointing fingers at anyone until the results of the investigation are known," he said.
The Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association has urged the Government to hold short-term courses for bus drivers to improve their driving skills, and also on providing emergency first-aid and in fire-prevention.
Its president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali said the Government must also look at how driving schools were teaching those applying for the bus driving licence, to ensure they would become efficient drivers, hence reducing road accidents and fatalities.
He also urged the Road Transport Department to place warning signs at the "black spots" or accident-prone road stretches.
Meanwhile, the Land Public Transport Commission (LPTC) is making road safety a high priority area in its list of concerns as it moves towards full operation next year.
Its chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar in a statement said LPTC had begun discussions with bus operators and relevant government agencies with the view to resolving issues that resulted in safety being compromised within the industry.
He added that LPTC would be drawing up policies, rules and regulations to ensure that safety standards of public transport services were maintained. - Bernama
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