Errant Bus Firms to Face Music

GEORGE TOWN: Express bus companies risk having their permits revoked if their drivers flout traffic rules or are involved in accidents during the Chinese New Year period.

Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said enforcement would be stepped up to check on errant drivers.

He said express bus operators should be extra careful when hiring drivers and check on them at all times.

Markiman said they should not take in those with many traffic summonses or drug addicts.

“We do not want to hear of road tragedies any more. Enough is enough. Our priority is to ensure the safety of all bus passengers.”

A total of 685 temporary permits for express buses have been issued for the Chinese New Year season. These permits expire on Feb 16.

Of the total, 123 permits were issued by the southern CVLB office, and the rest by east (60), north (82) and headquarters (420).

Markiman said among the enforcement measures to be taken were placing undercover police in every express bus.

“We will also conduct urine tests on drivers at roadblocks,” he added.

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