Tourism ministry suspends licence of tour operator linked to deadly Genting bus crash

THE authorities have suspended the licence of the tour company linked to a deadly bus crash yesterday in Jalan Genting-Bentong.

Two Chinese tourists were killed and several others injured after the tour bus landed on its side while travelling downhill.

Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Sri Tiong King Sing said the suspension was pending the outcome of investigations into the crash.

"I have instructed the ministry to probe into the tour company because it is understood they have a subline," he said, after visiting the crash victims in Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL).

"I received complaints from passengers that the bus was noisy and the air-conditioning was not working."

Tiong said he was told that the passengers were Malaysia for six-day trip, during which they had to change buses three times, indicating the vehicles was badly maintained.

Eight of the passengers are receiving treatment at HKL. They are reported to be in stable condition.

Bentong district police chief Zaiham Mohd Kahar said the 32-year-old bus driver was detained last night for four days.

Yesterday, Zaiham said the driver did not have a driving licence and had 27 traffic summonses on his record.

Tiong said his office would meet with the Transport Ministry on Tuesday to discuss the case.

He said the two ministries would also discuss standard operating procedures for to tour companies and buses, which are under the purview of the Road Transport Department. – June 30, 2024.