Tragic Gerik Express Bus Accident Highlights Urgent Need for Road Safety Reform

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) is deeply saddened by the recent tragic accident that occurred on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik. An express bus, carrying students from the University Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), collided with a Perodua Alza MPV, resulting in the loss of 15 young lives. CAP extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims during this devastating time.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, has stated the numerous ways the government will be improving Malaysia’s road safety. Reports have also indicated that authorities are considering stricter enforcement measures to ensure express bus companies comply with existing road safety laws. We find it deeply regrettable that it took the tragic deaths of these 15 students to prompt such a response. The increase in road accidents involving heavy vehicles has been a longstanding issue that has remained inadequately addressed for years.

Recent statistics have shown the severity of the situation. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, there were 652 accidents involving heavy vehicles such as container lorries, lorries, and express buses. Of these incidents, 287 resulted in fatalities. In January of this year (in conjunction with the anticipated peak travel due to the Chinese New Year celebrations) we called on policymakers to prioritise road safety as it was reported that in just 10 months of 2024 alone, there had been 825 fatal accidents involving lorries.

The accident has no doubt shaken the public’s trust in the safety of express bus travel; and this is unfortunate as it is an affordable and crucial means of long-distance travel for low-income individuals. The government must now prioritise increasing the safety of express bus travel and also road safety in general.

One significant factor to consider is that this tragic accident occurred in the early hours of the morning, around 1.00am. There are many reasons indicating that late night bus travel is dangerous, and we call on the government to ban it.

Many express bus companies will have night bus trips scheduled and some even have late night trips that start around 12.00am to 1.00am. Late-night bus travel increases the risk of accidents due to driver fatigue and drivers are more susceptible to micro-sleep. Falling asleep at the wheel could lead to catastrophic consequences, as such to combat this fatigue, some drivers may resort to using unregulated stimulants to stay alert which could affect their judgement while driving. Additionally, some drivers may have the mentality of wanting to complete their last trip of the day quickly. This leads to a disregard for safety regulations, including speeding, dangerously overtaking other vehicles and neglecting road safety laws and regulations.

Another issue that must be addressed is the lack of enforcement of already existing road safety laws that pertain to heavy vehicles and express buses. In this regard, the Transport Minister has highlighted several measures to ensure stricter enforcement that we believe would be effective and should be implemented. Among these measures is the introduction of mandatory dashboard cameras and other onboard video cameras for buses. This would help monitor driver behaviour and ensure compliance with road safety rules. Furthermore, the government is looking into implementing safeguards for speed limiters, as these are often found to have been tampered with by some operators to increase travel speeds. Finally, the Transport Minister has also said that express buses could be equipped with seatbelt sensors that will stop the bus from moving until all passengers are buckled in.

In addition to these immediate safety measures, several other issues must be addressed to reduce accidents involving express buses:

• Condition of Roads and Highways: Many roads and highways remain poorly maintained, with potholes and inadequate lighting, which exacerbate the risks of accidents.
• Vehicle Inspections: Frequent and rigorous inspections of express buses are essential to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and meet safety standards.
• Driver’s Mental Health: The mental state of express bus drivers is another important factor that must be regularly evaluated. Drivers who experience anxiety, fatigue, and/or road rage could have a higher risk of causing accidents. Mental health assessments should be part of the standard process for ensuring road safety.

In summary, CAP calls on the government to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the rising number of accidents involving heavy vehicles. We urge the authorities to ban late-night bus travel and commit to enforcing the stricter safety measures that have been proposed.

Lastly, we emphasize that it is not only the roadworthiness of express buses that requires regular inspection, but also the mental well-being of the drivers, which must be assessed routinely to ensure safe travel for all.

Mohideen Abdul Kader
President
Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP)

Press Statement, 12 June 2025