KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 – The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has taken decisive action in response to two recent accident incidents on the North-South Highway (PLUS). Following thorough investigations, the ministry has suspended the licenses of two express bus companies involved in the collisions that occurred at KM256.8 and KM257.8 on May 12 and 13, 2023, respectively. The first incident involved a Starmart Express bus operated by S.V Juta Sdn Bhd, which collided with 12 other vehicles while heading north on May 12.
The second incident involved a TRA Xpress bus operated by Kejora Masyhur Sdn Bhd, which collided with two trucks while heading south on May 13. The MOT has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of road users and has conducted a comprehensive investigation involving various agencies under its purview. The goal is to determine the cause of the accidents and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) investigation revealed that both companies failed to comply with the statutory license requirements. As a result, APAD’s License Cancellation and Suspension Committee (JPPL) has decided to suspend the Operator’s Licenses of the respective companies. S.V. Juta Sdn Bhd’s license has been suspended for 58 days due to repeated offenses, failure to comply with license conditions, and dangerous driving.
Kejora Masyhur Sdn Bhd’s license has been suspended for 37 days for non-compliance with safety requirements listed under the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) Safety Inspection and Audit. Furthermore, it has come to light that both companies have a history of legal disputes. The suspension of their operator’s licenses will take effect from June 12, 2023. During this period, all transactions related to the Operator’s Licenses of these companies will be prohibited.
To prioritize user safety, the Ministry will instruct its agencies to conduct compliance and safety audits on high-risk operators. The MOT hopes that the penalties imposed on these two companies will serve as a lesson and reminder to all operators to strictly adhere to the established rules and regulations, especially those concerning safety. The Ministry of Transport remains committed to its mission of safeguarding public safety on the roads and will continue to take necessary actions to ensure the highest standards of transportation services in the country.
