The Peninsular Malaysia Transport Workers Union (TWU) has urged the government to reduce duty on spare parts for buses.

Secretary-general Zainal Rampak said the high duty had prompted some bus operators to use cheaper spare parts of low quality.

"Genuine gear box cost RM7,000 to RM8,000 while brakes can cost RM2,000 to replace. Imitation parts cost only a fraction of prices quoted.

NONE "Bus drivers should not be blamed for accidents caused by faulty brakes," he told Bernama today.

Zainal had on Dec 28 blamed imitation spare parts as among main factors for road accidents that involved express buses.

Peninsular Malaysia Bus Operators Association president Mohamad Ashfar Ali had asked Zainal to lodge a police report if he had proof that buses had used imitation parts.

Zainal said that all quarters should cooperate to find ways to check road accidents as they cost lives.

"Media reports showed how easy it is to buy imitation parts. We have to be rational as priority should be saving the life of passengers," he added.

Use of imitation parts surfaced after the accident at Jalan Cameron Highlands-Simpang Pulai on Dec 20 which killed 28 people.

- Bernama