'Don't wait for injury or death', expert urges action on persistent bus issues

SHAH ALAM - Bus operators are being urged to address persistent vehicle issues to prevent serious accidents that could result in injuries or fatalities.

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research Board of Directors chairman Professor Dr Wong Shaw Voon highlighted the need for proactive identification and resolution of recurring issues, which often indicated underlying critical faults.

He said both owners and operators were responsible for taking proactive safety measures.

"The government can also play a role by implementing inspections as a mechanism for ensuring safety.

"It is essential to establish certain mechanisms, such as involving an independent party, to guarantee that vehicles are safe for use on the road

"As an owner, you can’t ignore these warning signs. Instead, you should investigate the root cause to identify the exact issue, much like you would with a faulty appliance at home," Wong told Sinar Daily.

He also said while government inspections, such as Puspakom (Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre) in Malaysia, were critical for maintaining vehicle safety, operators also bore the responsibility to go beyond these checks.

He said currently, all commercial vehicles must undergo regular Puspakom inspections and suggested that involving independent third-party assessors could enhance the safety of these inspections.

Wong also advocated for additional testing mechanisms to ensure vehicles consistently meet high safety standards.

He highlighted that maintenance extended beyond routine inspections and advised operators not to rely solely on inspectors to identify risks, such as cracked sockets or water-damaged wiring.

Instead, he recommended regular internal checks to catch and address issues proactively.

"Every party involved in bus operations plays a vital role in maintaining safety and functionality," he said.

Wong acknowledged that operating buses involved challenges, such as worn-out sockets that may go unnoticed yet posed significant risks.

He recommended that the government could implement more rigorous inspection protocols, including specific assessments for electrical components like charging systems, to address these safety concerns.

He also highlighted the important role of the public, emphasising that whether charging devices on buses, at public stations, or at home, users must be vigilant about the condition of their equipment.

Seemingly minor issues, such as damaged adapters or frayed cable could lead to severe risks, including electrocution or device explosions.

By staying vigilant and proactive, operators can help keep their vehicles and the roads safer for everyone.

On Nov 1, a tragic incident took place when a 18-year-old teenager identified as Mohamad Nur Asymawi Jasmadi died from electrocution while charging his mobile phone on an express bus at Penang Sentral.

Preliminary investigations revealed that there were burn marks on Asymawi's fingers, suggesting he was electrocuted via the bus' charging socket, with the charging cable found melted and his phone overheating at the time.

Police confirmed there were no signs of foul play and the post-mortem indicated electrocution as the cause of death.

In response to the incident, the Transport Ministry suspended the bus' operations on Nov 3 and set up a special task force to investigate the matter.

Its minister Anthony Loke emphasised the importance of a thorough inquiry to prevent similar tragedies and enhance passenger safety, with the task force including members from various transport safety agencies.