KUALA LUMPUR: The driver of the tour bus that crashed on the way down from Genting Highlands at about 11am on Saturday (June 29) has been arrested, says Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He said that the man is being investigated for irregularities related to the incident, which claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals.
“We are saddened by the incident and we will ensure a thorough investigation,” he said when met after visiting eight victims who are being treated at Hospital Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (June 30).
Also present was China’s ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, and other officials.
Tiong said that according to preliminary investigations, passengers who survived the crash described their journey to Genting Highlands as filled with problems.
“They were here for a six day-five night trip and had to change their bus three times. We found that the inbound tour agency involved had sublet the jobs to others,” he said.
He added that the ministry was investigating whether any troubled agents were involved in the incident.
“We will wait for the full investigation report. We will not hesitate to suspend the licence of any repeat offenders if they are found responsible,” he said.
Tiong noted that he would meet with the Transport Ministry and its agency, the Road Transport Department, on Tuesday (July 2) to discuss further about tour bus regulations, maintenance, and enforcement.
“There should be standard operating procedures for tour buses ferrying tourists. Part of the responsibility and enforcement should be on our ministry’s side and we will discuss this further during the meeting,” he added.
It was previously reported that the 32-year-old bus driver did not have a driving licence and had 27 previous traffic summonses for various offences.
