A TOTAL of 115 bus-related accidents were recorded in the first seven months of the year, with June marking a grim peak of 70 cases, resulting in 15 deaths, according to the Royal Malaysia Police’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT).
Statistics from Bukit Aman revealed that June alone accounted for more than half the total, with 13 people seriously injured and 42 sustaining minor injuries.
In comparison, the preceding months reported far fewer cases, typically in single digits or low double figures. January saw 12 accidents, resulting in one fatality and 11 injuries.
February recorded seven cases with no deaths, while March logged 16 accidents. April had just one case, followed by two in May. After the June surge, numbers dropped to seven in July, with two fatalities reported.
Director of JSPT Bukit Aman, Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, described the June figures as deeply concerning.
“We take this alarming trend very seriously, especially the extraordinary spike in June,” he said. “We will intensify enforcement efforts through more frequent operations involving bus drivers and launch targeted public transport safety campaigns.
“These efforts are crucial to reducing accident risks and protecting the lives of road users.”
He reminded bus drivers to adhere strictly to speed limits, ensure sufficient rest before journeys, and never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Routine technical inspections of brakes, tyres, and other safety systems must be carried out to ensure the vehicle is in optimal condition,” he said. “Passenger safety depends on driver competency and vehicle maintenance quality. Drivers must take full responsibility for the lives they carry.”
Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri also called on bus operators to play an active role in enforcing safety, including closely monitoring driver performance and setting realistic travel schedules without undue time pressure.
“Driver selection must be stringent, involving checks on traffic offences, drug screening, and criminal background,” he added. “All summonses issued must be settled promptly to avoid legal complications that could disrupt operations and inconvenience passengers.”
He urged full cooperation from all parties in safeguarding road safety and preventing further tragedies.
The urgency of the matter was underscored by a fatal crash on 9 June, in which 15 people were killed and seven seriously injured after a bus carrying students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) collided with a multi-purpose vehicle along Jalan Gerik-Jeli near Tasik Banding. The bus overturned while returning to the university. - August 15, 2025
