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PETALING JAYA: The road transport department (JPJ) has launched a comprehensive investigation and safety audit into the vehicle companies involved in the fatal accident at Km204 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) northbound in Melaka last night.
Bernama reported its director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli as saying the investigation will particularly focus on technical issues.
In a statement today, he said the department is deeply concerned with the rising trend of fatal accidents involving commercial vehicles and would intensify enforcement, especially concerning technical violations.
“JPJ will enhance its collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Agency to conduct drug abuse checks on drivers and review periodic inspection procedures for commercial vehicles performed by the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre or other appointed centres,” he said.
Aedy said JPJ would also work closely with enforcement agencies, such as the domestic trade and cost of living ministry and local authorities, to inspect registered workshops and monitor illegal workshops suspected of renting equipment for vehicle inspection purposes.
He said JPJ would reassess and enhance training courses for commercial vehicle drivers, incorporating elements of compliance and technical knowledge.
Transport minister Loke Siew Fook had earlier instructed JPJ to immediately investigate the cause of the fatal accident and take appropriate action against the trailer lorry and bus operators involved.
The crash, involving a tour bus, two lorries, a car and a multi-purpose vehicle, claimed seven lives, including five members of a family, and left 33 others injured.
The dead comprised the driver and four passengers of the MPV, as well as the driver and one passenger of the bus.
Police said the accident was triggered by the front right tyre of a lorry becoming dislodged or shredded and landing in the middle lane, causing the bus coming behind to lose control.