Tragedies involving express buses are constantly on the rise especially during festive seasons and school holidays. We constantly hear of the government’s promise to research on ways to reduce the fatality rate involving express buses but those remain empty promises. On the 20th of November 2018, Transport Minister, Anthony Loke announced that beginning 2019, all express buses will have to be installed with surveillance cameras and seatbelts.
The new buses will also have to be installed with maximum speed control device and braking system that automatically slows down the vehicle in the event it loses control when going down the slope. All passengers will have to wear seatbelts starting 2019 with enforcement taking place in 2020.
All the above recommendations have been suggested by the Regulatory Review Panel after reviewing reports on the Genting bus tragedy that happened in August 2013 and claimed thirty seven lives. At the same time, a Malaysian Transport Safety Board (MTSB) will also be established to investigate all incidents that involve vehicles in Malaysia.
