Cover image via Harian Metro
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Two men were killed while 16 others were injured when a tour bus carrying 45 passengers collided with two lorries in Johor late last night, 2 July
The crash, which occurred just past midnight, involved a tour bus, a tanker lorry, and a tow truck. It happened along KM80.7 of the North-South Expressway near Batu Pahat, Johor, reported Harian Metro.
Both deceased were bus passengers identified as Hidirman, 43, and Zulhadi, 44.
According to Ayer Hitam Fire and Rescue Station operations commander Md Isa Masngun, seven firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 12.44am.
The two passengers were found trapped in the wreckage and pronounced dead at the scene, while 16 others, including the bus driver, sustained injuries. The remaining 28 passengers were unharmed.
The drivers of both lorries escaped unhurt.
The crash comes just days after stricter safety rules for tour buses came into force
The deadly crash occurred just days after the Road Transport Department (JPJ) began enforcing a new rule requiring all passengers and drivers on express and tour buses to wear seatbelts.
As of 1 July, passengers who fail to wear seatbelts can be fined RM300. Drivers and bus operators may also face penalties if they fail to remind passengers to buckle up.
The rule currently applies to buses manufactured from January 2020 onwards, which are already equipped with seatbelts. Meanwhile, older buses are being given time to be retrofitted, according to JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.
Aedy stressed that enforcement is no longer just advisory.
Additionally, starting 1 October, all tour and express buses will be required to have Speed Limiting Devices (SLDs) that cap their maximum speed at 90km/h, regardless of the posted speed limit. This move will apply to all heavy vehicles, including lorries.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the cap is crucial in reducing the severity of crashes involving large vehicles: "This device plays a crucial role in preventing speeding, particularly for vehicles carrying heavy loads or passengers."
