The government is considering enhanced road safety measures along the Genting Highlands route following a tourist bus accident last month, with preliminary investigations pointing to a possible brake system failure as a contributing factor.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing chaired a coordination meeting on Tuesday involving the Land Public Transport Agency, Road Transport Department, Royal Malaysia Police, PUSPAKOM and other relevant agencies to review the May 30 accident involving a tourist bus in Genting Highlands.
Tiong said initial findings suggest the crash may have been caused by a brake system malfunction, although the final cause has yet to be confirmed pending further technical investigations.
The minister also revealed that the driver involved had an extensive record of traffic offences, raising concerns about enforcement and driver screening standards within the tourism transportation sector.
According to authorities, the driver had accumulated six offences under the Road Transport Department and 29 police traffic violations. These included speeding, driving without a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence, driving without a valid licence, running red lights and using a mobile phone while driving.
“This situation is deeply concerning and underscores the need to strengthen oversight of tourism vehicles, driver background screening and road safety enforcement mechanisms,” Tiong said.
He stressed that transportation safety is not only a matter of protecting lives but also directly affects Malaysia’s tourism image and reputation as a safe destination.
To reduce risks on high-risk routes, Tiong proposed that relevant authorities study the installation of additional traffic calming measures, including speed bumps and other speed reduction facilities, particularly along downhill stretches of the Genting Highlands road.
The proposal follows feedback from road users regarding safety risks along the route, especially at critical entry and exit points.
Tiong disclosed that JPJ had previously proposed installing speed enforcement facilities along the route to enhance monitoring and enforcement. However, implementation has been delayed because the road falls under private ownership and approval has yet to be obtained.
Currently, only a limited number of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems are installed along the road.
“There is an urgent need to review and expedite the implementation of more technology-based monitoring measures to improve road safety management,” he said.
“Safety measures cannot only be introduced after accidents occur. We must act from a preventive standpoint and minimise risks as much as possible.”
While acknowledging that the road is privately owned and managed, Tiong said it carries significant public safety implications because of the large number of tourists and road users who rely on it.
He expressed hope that the management of Genting Highlands would work closely with government agencies and enforcement authorities under the spirit of public interest and corporate social responsibility to implement the proposed safety improvements.
The minister also called for stricter enforcement against tourism vehicle operators and drivers who pose safety risks, including those with multiple outstanding summonses, expired road tax, dangerous driving records or poorly maintained vehicles.
“Any violation involving public safety cannot be taken lightly,” he said.
“If problems are allowed to persist for a long period without corrective action, then the system itself must be reviewed.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture will hold further discussions with the management of Genting Highlands to gain a clearer understanding of existing road safety management practices and identify measures that can be implemented immediately.
These may include additional traffic-calming infrastructure, expanded camera surveillance systems and other safety initiatives.
Tiong said the public expects tangible action rather than reports alone.
“Protecting tourist safety, safeguarding Malaysia’s tourism reputation and improving the quality of tourism transportation services are shared responsibilities. We must be results-oriented, proactive in identifying weaknesses and committed to preventing recurring problems,” he said.
