Licence of bus operator involved in crash suspended with immediate effect: SPAD

KUALA LUMPUR: The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has suspended with immediate effect the operator's licence of Goldstar Express (M) Sdn Bhd and its entire fleet.
This is to facilitate investigations into the company's express bus crash (under Alisan Golden Coach) which took place at 3.45am today at Km137.4 on the PLUS Expressway, which killed 14 passengers and injured 16 others early today.
"The Commission expresses our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and assures that we will conduct a thorough investigation on this shocking and tragic incident," it said in a statement today.
SPAD further revealed that enforcement of immediate suspension of the fleet, until completion of investigation, was taken because of concerns on passenger safety as well as to facilitate multi-agency investigations into the accident.
"Crash investigations are being led by Miros, whilst SPAD will investigate lapses in Industry Code of Practice (ICOP) Safety requirements," it added.
It said safety of passengers is an utmost priority and under SPAD's Operator's Licence requirements, all land public transport operators are required to uphold the highest of standards in operating their vehicles.
"SPAD will not tolerate any violations of safety practices and sternly reminds express bus operators, that those found to have contravened safety requirements will have to face the full force of the law and regulations," it said.
The Commission also said that it will not hesitate to revoke the Operator's Licence and permits of operators that have been found violating safety requirements that are mandatory under its conditions.