SHAH ALAM – The trailer driver involved in the North South Expressway (NSE) crash which killed five students yesterday has eight previous offences records and an active one, revealed the Road Transport Department.
The department said checks on its mySIKAP revealed that the driver still has an active record with 12 demerit points under the Demerit Points System (Kejara), where the total of demerit points cumulated would affect drivers either through suspension or cancellation of the driver’s driving license.
Commenting on the crash, the department said it took the incident seriously and it would not compromise with any violations by commercial vehicle operators in the country.
"Investigation is being conducted under the Occupational Safety and Health Industry Code of Practice for Road Transport Activities 2010 together with the Land Public Transport Agency to determine the form of legal action that will be taken.
"If the investigation revealed that the driver and its operator had failed to comply with the rules and service permit by the agency and RTD, the permit and license can be suspended or cancelled under the act. Meanwhile, the suspension of the driver’s license can be taken by RTD based on the Road Transport Act 1987 (RTA) if the driver is charged in court,” the statement said.
It added that police would also determine the offences under Section 41(1) of the RTA.
Yesterday, five Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (USAS) students were killed in an accident involving a Honda City and two trailers loaded with iron and mosaic.
The RTD extended their condolences to the families of the victims of the accident.
The department also emphasised that its heavy vehicle road ban during Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration recently aimed to ensure that such accidents could be avoided and reduce the number of fatal accidents in the country.
Motorists and vehicle operators were advised to comply with all traffic rules and laws to for a safer road ecosystem in the country.