I read with utmost concern the report of an accident involving an express bus at the Jelapang toll plaza of the North-South Expressway ( The Star , Sept 16). Thankfully, none of the passengers were killed in the accident though a few were seriously injured.

In the past, many reports of accidents involving express buses, many with fatalities, can be read in the newspapers. I cannot help but wonder why this situation has been allowed to continue without firm action from the government, particularly the Transport Ministry.

The introduction of the "black box" was initially seen as a positive step forward to prevent express buses from speeding. This coupled with mandatory inspection by Puspakom was initially seen as sufficient to protect the lives of thousands who use express buses to balik kampung (visit hometown) every year.

Alas, we then read of Puspakom's inefficiencies, of black-box tampering and the lack of enforcement by the authorities. And reports of accidents involving express buses continued.

It is time for the ministry to take stern and immediate steps to address this issue. It is the government's duty and obligation, in particular the transport ministry to protect the lives of its citizens  what more if a bus is travelling above its speed limit. And buses usually ferry at least 40 passengers at any one time which is why this issue has to be taken seriously.

Accidents involving express buses, just like those involving planes, must be minimised. All express buses should be put through very stringent maintenance schedules and be tested on a regular basis. More importantly, the government must enforce the speed limit of express buses.

Any accidents involving express buses must be investigated thoroughly and those responsible be prosecuted. A no-nonsense and serious approach must be adopted in so far as express buses are concerned mainly because many Malaysian lives are at stake.

It is only through this approach that we all hope to read less reports of accidents involving express buses.