15/06/2025

NATIONAL 3 ON SUNDAY JUNE 15, 2025

‘Telematics systems move could boost safety’

serious about strengthening accountability and corporate governance, it is time to consider introducing such a Bill to prevent future tragedies and ensure justice for victims. Earlier, Azalina also received her instrument of appointment as honorary commissioner of the Civil Defence Force from chief commissioner Datuk Aminurrahim Mohamed. Instruments of appointment were also presented to Johor State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin as honorary deputy commissioner and Penawar assemblyman Fauziah Misri as honorary colonel. PETALING JAYA: The recent bus crash near Tasik Banding that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi) students was unlikely to have been caused by mechanical failure, according to a technical report by the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom). In a statement issued yesterday, Puspakom said a technical inspection of the bus found that key components such as the braking system, steering, suspension and tyres were in good condition prior to the incident. According to the preliminary report, there was no excessive wear on the brake linings or drums, and the air compressor tank showed no signs of leakage. All tyres met the minimum tread depth requirement and were deemed roadworthy. The inspection also confirmed that the steering and suspension systems were in satisfactory condition, with no signs of defects that could have contributed to the crash. Investigators noted certain damage – including a broken leaf spring and dislodged shock absorber – was likely sustained during the impact. “The bus had significant structural damage, including a crushed front section, broken and detached roof pillars, shattered windows and dislodged rear components. Both sides of the body were heavily dented and scratched, with several seats and rear light covers also damaged,” the report added. Puspakom concluded that there was no evidence of mechanical failure contributing to the incident. “Therefore, it is highly likely that the crash occurred due to other factors such as human error, road conditions or similar circumstances,” the statement read. The incident took place at about 1am on June 9 at Km53 of the East-West Highway. The bus reportedly lost control before colliding with an MPV. Earlier, the bus operator Kenari Utara claimed that the crash may have been caused by a sudden technical issue, including brake failure. The company stated that an online video showing the bus speeding could be attributed to a mechanical failure, especially as the crash occurred on a winding downhill stretch of the Jeli-Gerik road near Tasik Banding. No mechanical fault in Upsi bus crash: Puspakom Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to mandate the installation of telematics systems directly connected to driver databases for bus and logistics operators is a proactive step to improve public and commercial transport safety, according to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Johor Bahru Automotive Development Centre director Dr Mohd Azman Abas. He said the telematics system allows real-time monitoring of speed, sudden braking, abrupt lane changes, rapid acceleration, driver fatigue and overall driving behaviour. “Enforcers and bus operators must issue immediate warnings if drivers are behaving recklessly. Through this system, licence status, outstanding summonses, disciplinary records and previous offences can be monitored automatically. If a driver has an active summons or is found unfit to drive, the system can block them from operating the vehicle. “In the event of an incident, telematics data, including footage from onboard cameras, can help determine the cause and support transparent, objective investigations. This also ensures that operators can no longer turn a blind eye to unsafe driving,” he told Bernama. He also recommended implementing real time speed and driving time monitoring, speed limiters and seat belt sensors. He stressed that comprehensive action is needed to prevent tragedies such as the recent bus crash that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students. He proposed that bus operators be required to regularly monitor drivers’ summonses and disciplinary records, with enforcement action taken against those who fail to do so. Experts urge stricter monitoring of drivers and operators to prevent tragedies in future

Mohd Azman recommended implementing real-time speed and driving time monitoring, speed limiters and seat belt sensors – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Goods Driving Licence drivers. He called for the revival of a centralised database known as the Drivers and Commercial Vehicles Information System (DCVIS), first proposed by the now-defunct Land Public Transport Commission in 2017. The system was designed to integrate driver records across all operators, screening for clean driving histories. “DCVIS was meant to serve as the entry point for screening through RFID card contact within in-vehicle telematics systems, allowing only drivers with clean records to begin their journey,” he added. He also urged LPTA and the Road Transport Department to develop a comprehensive tracking and record management system for heavy vehicle operators, known as the Performance Monitoring Hub System. On Friday, Loke announced that the use of speed limiter devices on commercial vehicles, including express and tour buses, would be enforced in stages starting Oct 1.

Operators should also undergo regular audits covering vehicle condition, driver records, safety training, standard operating procedures and rest period management. Meanwhile, road safety and sustainable transport advocate Shahrim Tamrin urged the government to make telematics systems a requirement for bus and logistics operator licences. Referring to Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s announcement that the Land Public Transport Agency (LPTA) would develop a driver database system for express and tour bus operators, he said such a measure is essential to improve land transport safety. “It’s common to hear of drivers with multiple summonses still being allowed to operate heavy vehicles, including lorries, express and tour buses,” he said in a statement. Shahrim said the root of the problem lies in the lack of coordination among enforcement agencies in managing traffic offence records and vehicle safety for vocational licence holders, such as Public Service Vehicle and

Sabah schools to take part in online awareness campaign TAWAU: A total of 1,298 primary and secondary schools in Sabah will take part in an internet safety campaign, an initiative by the Communications Ministry through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. out in phases, with a focus on promoting online safety through educational outreach programmes for students. Sekolah Menengah Holy Trinity in Tawau is the first secondary school in the district to implement the initiative, using a specially developed module for students aged 13 to 17, involving 290 participants. Communications Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching said the campaign will be rolled

Teo said the module aims to raise awareness of internet safety, including associated risks, personal responsibility and the long-term impact of internet use. “Students are also expected to recognise signs of online grooming and be better prepared with self-protection strategies,” she said in a statement. – Bernama

Govt mulls law to make firms, management liable KOTA TINGGI: New legislation such as the Corporate Manslaughter Act, already adopted in the UK and proposed for introduction in Malaysia, would establish broader and proportionate liability for companies, not just individuals, in cases involving incidents or management negligence. operational standards. “This is how it works. If a bridge collapses or a bus crash happens, it won’t be just the engineer or driver who is punished. If the punishment is hanging, the chief executive officer will also have to hang. That is what corporate manslaughter means. Board members must also be held responsible,” she told Bernama yesterday. that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students was charged in court with dangerous driving. Azalina said such laws are important as in many cases, companies shift the blame solely onto drivers, although vehicle maintenance and operational oversight are the company’s responsibility.

“Sometimes, when an incident happens, companies won’t admit their fault. They blame the driver. But who does the driver work for? Who is responsible? The company must be held accountable and not allowed to simply wash its hands off the matter,” she said. She added that if the government is

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said under such a law, an entire organisation – including managers, engineers and board members – could be prosecuted if found to have failed in maintaining proper safety and

Azalina was speaking during a visit to inspect repair works on the Felda Air Tawar 1 Bridge, which are expected to be completed in September. On Friday, the driver involved in Monday’s crash along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway