JOHOR BARU: A preliminary report by the Transport Ministry’s special task force has identified a multitude of factors contributing to the tragic bus accident in Grik on June 9, which resulted in the deaths of 15 students from Sultan Idris Education University.

The report highlighted that the accident was not solely due to technical failure or driver error. It also pointed to weaknesses in the operational structure, the selection of an unsuitable driver, inadequate safety protections, and a lack of active monitoring and enforcement systems.

The revelation of numerous traffic summonses involving the drivers, along with the operator’s failure to conduct scheduled safety checks, indicated a management failure within the organisation.

“All these factors showcase a systemic failure which needs a complete overhaul involving all parties in the public transport ecosystem,” the 179-page report stated.

While investigations continue, with potential updates in the final report, the special team emphasised that the findings aim to prevent future accidents, rather than assign blame or liability.

“The findings and recommendations in this report are primarily to prevent such accidents from happening again and to strengthen the road transport system to protect the lives of road users,” the report noted, urging stakeholders to focus on safety improvements and necessary rectifications.

The accident occurred in Banun, near Tasik Banding, approximately 57 kilometres from Grik, Perak, involving a bus and a multi-purpose vehicle.

More to come