THE tour bus that crashed and killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students in June was travelling at a dangerously high speed of 117.6 km/h—almost double the posted limit—according to preliminary findings by the Malaysian Ministry of Transport’s Special Task Force.
In its Preliminary Road Transport Safety Investigation Report, the task force confirmed that the posted speed limit on the East-West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat), near Tasik Banding where the incident occurred, was 60 km/h.
“The most likely speed at the time of the incident was 117.6 km/h, exceeding the critical rollover threshold of approximately 111.3–114.5 km/h, as established by technical analysis,” the report stated.
The excessive speed has now been identified as the key contributing factor in the fatal rollover, which claimed the lives of 15 young students and injured several others. The findings are expected to be followed by recommendations aimed at tightening tour bus safety compliance and monitoring.
MOT: Tour Bus Operated Illegally Using Another Company’s Permit
The tour bus involved in the tragic crash in Gerik, Perak, was operating illegally under a permit not registered to the actual operator, the Ministry of Transport revealed in a preliminary investigation released today.
According to the report, the bus was run by Noreen Maju Trading, a company that does not possess a valid licence or permit under the Land Public Transport Act 2010.
The valid operating permit was held by Kenari Utara Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, which has been identified as having no involvement in the crash.
“Documents and witness statements confirm that the permit had been used unlawfully by a third party through an unauthorised leasing or transfer arrangement,” the ministry stated.
This practice constitutes an offence under Section 49(1) of the Land Public Transport Act, which prohibits the transfer or sub-leasing of commercial vehicle permits without approval.
The ministry said further investigations are ongoing and affirmed that enforcement action will follow pending the final report.
A full report is expected to be tabled in Parliament later this year. - July 18, 2025
