THE Road Transport Department’s (RTD) failure to upgrade its outdated enforcement system and corruption are to blame for the proliferation of errant bus companies and drivers, an expert in a government road safety agency said.

The expert, who did not want to be named, told The Malaysian Insight that the RTD should have implemented proactive measures to inspect buses in order to avoid road accidents such as the recent Genting Highland crash, which claimed the lives of two Chinese tourists and injured several others.

The bus driver was arrested after it was discovered that he did not have a driving licence and had 27 traffic summonses on his record. The bus company was also found to be operating without a valid permit.

The expert said the RTD is responsible for not upgrading its old system, adding that corruption was one of the reasons for the lack of and slow improvement in the RTD.

“The RTD is responsible for monitoring bus companies and drivers, but they have not done their part. Suggestions and ideas have been put forward but they have all fallen on deaf ears.

“Previously, a star rating system was used whereby good drivers and bus companies were given a star rating, making it easier for passengers to choose. But the star rating was used for only a short period of time before it was stopped,” the expert said.

He criticised the Transport Ministry for being slow in responding to suggestions. He said many proposals and complaints were sent to the ministry, including about the incompetence of the RTD, but no action was taken.

“The system itself is corrupt. It is a failure. I am not surprised if bribery is taking place on the ground between RTD officers and the companies, looking at how bad the situation is. Don’t tell me the RTD system could not detect a driver without a licence and with 27 traffic summonses.

“Obviously, RTD’s monitoring or inspection is below par and not up to standard. The RTD has to act before a tragedy occurs, not after.”

The expert said until a new system is implemented, Malaysia will see more road accidents involving tour buses.

Following the Genting Highland crash on June 29, RTD senior enforcement director Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan announced a crackdown on tour bus companies. It is a joint operation with the police, National Anti-Drug Agency, and Tourism Ministry.

Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua at Universiti Putra Malaysia said the ministry has to look for a sustainable way to avoid future road crashes. The UPM Road Safety Research Centre head agreed with the expert, and said he has also instructed his students to go undercover to learn more about road safety measures.

“The star rating is a very good initiative. My students have also gone undercover and they have come up with the star rating for their assignments. With that, we can publish which company has a good system, transparent schedule, and a profile of the driver. This will ensure that the bus company will comply with high standards of safety,” said Law.

Commenting on the roadblocks and sudden inspections, Law said this cannot go on forever. “One month or two months maximum and then what? That is not sustainable. We need a long-term solution. Yes, inspection is needed to check on the driver, the condition of the bus and company, but a system that is sustainable is needed. The star rating is one of the best options,” he said.

Less than 24 hours after a major crackdown on tour buses was announced, two bus drivers were detained for driving without a licence on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway. More than 20 buses were screened in the operation. – July 3, 2024.