Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha
An independent board of inquiry will be set up to investigate the Cameron Highlands bus crash that killed 27 people on Monday, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said.
It would also look at the overall structure of commercial vehicle operations and come up with recommendations to the government on how to improve the operations.
"As far as commercial vehicles are concerned, there are many agencies involved. So, the board would inquire into the coordination, the responsibility of the licensing body, responsibility of operators and permit holders.
"It would also look at the conditions set for these operators, the validity or competency of drivers and the due diligence of the company in complying with the conditions set," he said.
Speaking to reporters at the ministry, Kong said the decision to set up the board was made by the cabinet in its meeting today.
"Of course everybody (cabinet members) was very concerned, the prime minister was very sad over the incident. We take this very seriously," he added.
Kong said the board would be operational as soon as the chairman and its members have been appointed, adding that the ministry would seek the advice of the Attorney-General on the selection of the chairman.
Once the investigation has been completed, those found guilty of violating any conditions or laws would be charged.
In what was possibly the worst road accident in the country’s history, 25 Thai tourists and two Malaysians were killed when the express bus skidded and overturned at Km15 of the Cameron Highlands-Simpang Pulai road.
Kong also clarified that the bus involved in the accident was not a double-decker but a high-deck bus.
A double-decker bus is 4.2m high and has two tiers of passenger seats but a high-deck bus is lower at 4m high and has only one tier of passenger seats while the lower part is for the luggages.
Asked whether high-deck bus is suitable to be used in hilly road, he said it depends on whether it meets the requirements.
"As long as they comply with all the requirements and technical specifications, they are safe to travel on any road in the country," he said.
