Tragedy Strikes Genting Highlands: Tour Bus Crash Claims Two Lives, Injures 19 Others
A devastating bus crash on Saturday, June 29, has left two Chinese tourists dead and 19 others injured while descending from Genting Highlands in Malaysia. The incident has sparked a thorough investigation, revealing that the 32-year-old bus driver was operating without a valid license and had a history of traffic-related offenses.
According to Bentong police chief Supt Zaiham Mohd Kahar, the driver had accumulated 27 previous traffic summonses, with most of them related to driving without a valid license. Additionally, he had been issued summonses for beating a red light, being involved in an accident, and driving without a valid road tax.
The driver has been remanded for four days to assist in the investigation, which is being conducted by the Malaysian police and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The ministry is also investigating the tour company operating the bus to determine if they breached standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Minister Tiong King Sing has warned that if the company is found to be at fault, their license will be revoked immediately. The incident has raised concerns about road safety and the need for tour operators to adhere to safety regulations.
The bus, carrying 21 people, including 18 passengers, a driver, and two tour guides, skidded and hit a road divider at around 11 am on Saturday. The two deceased passengers, Zhang Ping, 58, and Wang Shuhong, 49, died on the spot due to head injuries. Their bodies were taken to Bentong Hospital in Pahang, while 13 other injured victims were transported to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for treatment.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the tourism industry. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the accident and identify any lapses in safety protocols that may have contributed to the tragedy.