Hold bus operator responsible for Genting crash, says Lee Lam Thye

PETALING JAYA: The bus operator involved in the Genting Highlands crash that killed two people must be held responsible instead of shifting blame solely onto drivers, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The Alliance For A Safe Community chairman said the authorities must implement stringent measures and amend regulations to prevent the reoccurrence of such tragedies.

“They must not just push the responsibility to others or the driver alone. This excuse no longer holds water.

“It is high time for authorities to take various steps and amend legislation to ensure this kind of problem doesn’t happen again.

“There have been so many such cases in the past. It’s sad to see this kind of problem still occur. No one has taken note,” he said in an interview on Sunday (June 30).

Lee said road safety has become a serious issue in the country, with increasing fatalities on the road.

“The recent tragedy has once again underscored the urgent need to address road safety, which has emerged as a critical concern nationwide.

“Annually, the country witnesses approximately 6,000 to 7,000 deaths from road accidents, with a significant majority of over 68% involving motorcyclists.

“The recent Genting bus tragedy was particularly distressing, as the driver was found to be unlicensed and had accumulated summonses for multiple offences yet was permitted to operate a tour bus.

“We should ensure the bus operator companies take responsibility. It’s a serious matter. Something must be done urgently before more lives are lost.”

Despite prior investigations and reports with recommendations from various authorities in the past, Lee said the objective of zero accidents along the Genting route remains unattained.

“Accidents will continue to happen unless and until all those involved are fully committed to safety rules and guidelines and put them into practice. This is crucial.

“What is lacking in our country today is road safety as a culture,” he said.