A shocking incident involving an express bus driver in Malaysia has sparked widespread concern over passenger safety, after a viral video showed reckless behaviour behind the wheel.
The driver, who was employed by Sri Maju, has since been dismissed following the circulation of footage depicting a woman sitting on his lap while the bus was in motion on a highway. The incident, which reportedly took place during a journey from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru, has triggered both public outrage and official investigations.
The video clip, widely shared across social media platforms, shows the woman placing her hands on the steering wheel as the driver appeared to guide the vehicle from behind her. The dangerous act raised serious questions about road safety standards and professional conduct within the public transport sector.
Passenger Raises Alarm Over Dangerous Behaviour
According to reports, the incident was first flagged by a 40-year-old passenger seated near the front of the bus. She initially noticed the woman sitting on the floor beside the driver, which already appeared unusual. However, the situation escalated when the woman later moved onto the driver’s lap, actively participating in steering the vehicle.
Concerned for the safety of everyone onboard, the passenger confronted the pair before deciding to document the situation. She later reported the matter to authorities, stating that her intention was to highlight the risks posed by such irresponsible behaviour.
Her decision to share the footage online quickly gained traction, with many netizens expressing disbelief and anger over the apparent disregard for passenger safety. The video has since become a talking point across regional news platforms.
Bus Operator Takes Immediate Action
In response, Sri Maju issued a public apology, describing the incident as “deeply troubling” and a clear breach of its standard operating procedures. The company confirmed that the driver’s employment was terminated with immediate effect following internal investigations.
The operator also revealed that a police report had been lodged and that it would fully cooperate with enforcement agencies. In its statement, the company emphasised that it does not tolerate any behaviour that compromises the safety of passengers and pledged to strengthen its internal controls to prevent similar incidents.
While acknowledging that such occurrences are rare, the company admitted that lapses can still happen despite existing safeguards, a statement that has drawn mixed reactions from the public.
Authorities Launch Investigation Into Incident
Malaysia’s Road Transport Department, known as Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ), has also stepped in to investigate the matter. Officials confirmed that swift action was taken once the video surfaced, leading to the identification of both the driver and the bus operator.
The driver has reportedly been summoned to provide a statement, and authorities are currently reviewing the case. Upon completion of investigations, further action will be determined by senior officials within the department.
Transport authorities have also called on members of the public to come forward with any additional information that may assist in the investigation, highlighting the importance of accountability in maintaining road safety standards.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of negligence in the transport industry, particularly in situations where large numbers of passengers are placed at risk.