STORY TO BE TOLD

Driver never had a valid licence, Operator gave inferior bus

KUALA LUMPUR: Shock turned to utter anger for many when it was learnt that the bus driver involved in an accident at Genting Sempah which left seven dead has never had a valid driving licence. He only had a learner’s licence but was blacklisted 13 years ago.

Family members of those who died also want to know why a bus of inferior quality was used to ferry the group from the 4B Youth Movement in Kedah, when the operator had promised them a bus in good condition.

Other developments:

> Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha has ordered a probe, adding that he wants the driver to be charged and the employer to take full responsibility for the tragedy;

> The driver initially told police he had lost his licence, but a check with the Road Transport Department showed that he did not have one, says Selangor Traffic and Public Order chief Supt Che Husin Omar;

> A survivor says the bus air-conditioning system was faulty and the engine “sounded weird”; and

> The Health Ministry is considering a plan to provide air rescue service for accident victims, says minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

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Seven victims, one big grave

By G.C. TAN
newsdesk@thestar.com.my

BALING: The seven people killed in the bus crash at Genting Sempah on Friday were laid to rest in a mass grave at the Kampung Baru Muslim cemetery in Mukim Siong near here.

Thousands of people, including outsiders, came for the funeral, which began at 2.30pm yesterday and ended at 4.30pm.

Prayers were held at a nearby mosque before the bodies were taken to the burial site. There was a downpour before the funeral started but it slowed to a drizzle by the time it began.

Kampung Baru 4B chief Ahmad Shukri Ahmad Nawawi, 36, said he was the co-ordinator for the trip but was not able to make the trip at the last minute as he had to attend a course in Port Dickson.


Sombre moment: Villagers filling red soil to the seven coffins at Kampung Baru in Mukim Siong Saturday. — G.C. TAN / The Star

“The trip was to allow the students to have fun at the Genting Theme Park followed by sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur. The group began its journey at 11pm on Thursday and was scheduled to return to Kedah before midnight on Saturday,” he said.

His son, Amirul Izzuddin, 13, also went on the trip and was one of the survivors.

Amirul Izzuddin said they reached Genting Highlands at about 10am on Friday and boarded the bus at 6.30pm the same day.

“Many of them were asleep when the accident occurred.”

More news on: http://thestar.com.my/news/

Credits to and source taken from: http://thestar.com.my/news/