Malaysians Mudah Lupa

Malaysians forget easily!

The relevant bus company, the Ministry of Transport, JPJ, Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board(CVLB) and Puspakom are collectively responsible if it is proven that the tragic bus accident is due to human error or problems with the bus which can be prevented at the first place.

Let us not forget.

It took 22 lives for the government to finally stand up and 'talk but no action' in a bus express accident.

They abandoned their talks right after we Malaysians forget about the incident.

20 dead in Malaysian bus crash - AUGUST 13TH, 2007.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- At least 20 people died when an express bus overturned on Malaysia's main highway Monday, tearing off the vehicle's roof and flinging seats into the air in what officials said was the country's worst traffic disaster.

Source: CNN(International).com

This accident happened barely 6 months ago and Malaysians have forgotten.

Promises made by our Transport Minister after the accident:

Chan: Refresher courses a must - “This is of public interest. No more lives should be lost. I want this to be resolved as soon as possible,” he said.

Errant bus operators and drivers targeted - Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy ordered the Road Transport Department (JPJ) yesterday to take immediate steps to ensure that no more lives were lost or people injured in accidents involving buses.

OPS BERSIH - Bus drivers with outstanding arrest warrants for traffic offences would be arrested on the spot, while those whose licences were suspended would have their documents seized.

CVLB backs jail move - Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy had said recently that the Cabinet had given the nod to hold CEOs of bus companies accountable for safety standards, hiring and training of drivers and fleet management.

Markiman (CVLB Chairman) said he would propose amendments to the existing CVLB Act to enable prosecution of bus company CEOs and directors.

Puspakom CEO Datuk Salamat Wahit said all the new policies adopted by the Cabinet relating to bus structure that met the R66 ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) standard, would be implemented immediately.

Interesting promises. Can somebody please check whether they were implemented?

The most obvious one which was discontinued is the Ops Bersih of course. What happened to all the policemen stationed at bus stations? One Ops Bersih is enough to clean up the entire express bus system? Bravo YAB. Can't you think of better solutions to tackle these express bus accidents? I would suggest making seatbelts in express buses compulsory first.

It took 22 lives for them to stand up and talk.

How many lives are they looking at to put their talk into action?

JPJ and Puspakom's track record.

There should be a public inquiry into all express bus accidents in Malaysia and effective and logical steps should be taken to tackle these express bus accidents once and for all. Students studying outstation are most at risk when travelling in these express buses. The victims could be any of us or our loved ones.

Check out Lim Kit Siang's account of all major express bus accidents in Malaysia since 2003.

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The Crash of 25th January 2008

According to the survivors, the top deck was swaying left and right as the driver was going really fast. Some passengers at the bottom deck saw the driver smsing a lot and driving really fast in the heavy rain. After awhile the passengers felt something amiss and saw the bus driver STAND UP suddenly(while the bus was moving!) and split seconds later, the passengers screamed really loudly and the bus spun three times, hit the divider and careened to the opposite highway where an oncoming MPV crashed into the back of the bus. Nian Ning and Mohd Zailani were sitting at the back row. I’m not sure about the other chinese boy who also passed away. But that’s what I’ve gathered. The passengers of the MPV only suffered minor injuries. To add insult to the injury, the bus driver only sustained a broken right leg. I’m curious to know what is happening to him now though. - Jolene

Let us all discard our 'tidak apa' attitude, i call upon all Malaysians to come forward and stand united against errant express bus drivers and bus companies. As i have mentioned previously, Nian Ning's family will take legal action against the bus company. Family, friends, loved ones of the other victims and witnesses please come forward and join Nian Ning's family against the bus company.

you may contact Lee Chung Lern at chunglern@gmail.com or preferably on his handphone at 012-6670368

We are still deciding on a petition aiming to put a stop to all these bus accidents. Basically the aim of the petition is to demand that the government take solid actions to ensure the safety of express bus passengers.

Do check out Jolene's blog for the latest updates.

If you're still hesitant about all this. Read Nian's March 08' 2007 entry.

It could be any of us or our loved ones. Thanks for reading this lengthy post.

Lee Nian Ning (1987-2008)