THE Johor state government has introduced seven safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be observed by all school van and bus operators, following the heartbreaking death of a five-year-old boy who was left unattended in a locked school van for nearly five hours.
Aznan Tamin, Chairman of the Johor State Education and Information Committee, said the new SOPs were jointly formulated with the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ) and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), and are aimed at preventing similar tragedies in future.
“These SOPs must be strictly followed by all licensed operators of school transport services,” Bernama cited Aznan telling the Johor State Legislative Assembly today. “This initiative is a direct response to the recent tragedy and is intended to strengthen our safeguards around the safety and welfare of children using these services.”
He explained that the first SOP mandates specialised training for school van drivers and escorts, covering child safety, road safety, and first aid. Drivers are also required to pass health checks and psychological assessments to ensure they are fit for duty.
“Vehicles carrying more than ten children must be accompanied by an escort whose duty is to ensure every child is accounted for throughout the journey,” Aznan (BN–Tanjung Surat) added.
The second SOP concerns vehicle maintenance. Operators must use the same vehicle for each journey segment and ensure all safety features—such as seat belts—are fully operational. Regular inspections are mandatory.
The third SOP focuses on safety during boarding and disembarkation. Operators must ensure that children are safely inside or away from the vehicle before it starts moving.
Aznan said the fourth SOP requires operators to maintain attendance records for children boarding and exiting the van. In the event of schedule changes or cancellations, parents or schools must be notified at least an hour in advance.
The fifth SOP deals with emergency response. Should a child be inadvertently left behind, operators, schools, and parents must follow a clear protocol—including contacting emergency services, informing parents, and reporting the incident to relevant authorities such as the Road Transport Department (JPJ), JPNJ, and District Education Office.
Under the sixth SOP, both drivers and escorts must undergo continuous training in road safety and first aid. Schools, parents, and guardians must also be briefed on their responsibilities when engaging school van services.
The seventh and final SOP stresses collective responsibility. “Cooperation between schools, parents and school transport operators is essential. Everyone must be aware of potential risks and take proactive steps to prevent accidents,” Aznan said.
The measures come in the wake of a widely reported incident in April, where a young boy tragically died after being left alone inside a locked vehicle. The tragedy has since sparked public outrage and demands for tighter regulation of school transportation safety. - May 22, 2025
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