BUTTERWORTH, April 7 — In a move aimed at enhancing passenger safety, express buses embarking on journeys exceeding 300 kilometers are now required to have a second driver onboard. Penang’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) director, Zulkifly Ismail, highlighted this regulation, emphasizing its importance in mitigating the risk of accidents, particularly fatal ones, by ensuring drivers receive adequate rest during extended trips. Zulkifly stressed that the presence of a second driver is mandatory from the start of the journey, contrary to the common practice of introducing one at subsequent terminals.
Express bus operators failing to comply with this rule will not be permitted to commence their journey, he informed reporters following a special Hari Raya operation at the Penang Sentral Bus Terminal. During the operation conducted from April 1 until yesterday, 121 buses were inspected, and action was taken against five for non-compliance. In total, 4,553 vehicles were scrutinized, resulting in 1,377 summonses issued for various offenses, with 790 vehicles facing penalties, including 37 confiscations. Zulkifly affirmed that the operation would persist until April 20, underscoring the department’s commitment to ensuring road safety.
