Foundation cites JPJ officers for alleged negligence

The Star Online - 22 August 2007

KUALA LUMPUR: Favouritism and buses that are not checked for roadworthiness are some reasons for the Social Action Initiative Foundation to act against the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Its chairman Tan Sri Robert Phang said he would file a report with the Anti-Corruption Agency for alleged malpractices by nine JPJ officers, including deputy director-general Solah Mat Hassan, who was the former enforcement chief.

“I am not saying that they are corrupt. I don’t have any evidence for that.

“But I do have evidence of malpractice. They have not carried out the minimal standard operating procedures which resulted in buses not meeting the requirement for roadworthiness,” Phang said yesterday.

At a press conference on Monday, Phang claimed that JPJ and Puspakom had not been competent enough in carrying out their duties.

Citing the recent Bukit Gantang express bus accident, which claimed 22 lives, Phang said the answer lay with government agencies that regulate public vehicles.

“JPJ has the responsibility to ensure that buses are designed to international safety standards and driven by drivers who are properly trained, while Puspakom’s role is to inspect and certify that the vehicles are fit for the road,” he said.

Phang said police records showed that an average of 17.2 persons die in road accidents every day.

“The question is, who is responsible?” he said.