The bus driver involved in an accident on Jalan Tun Sambanthan, which left two pedestrians seriously injured, has been suspended pending an internal inquiry after being accused of "speeding".

In statement today Syarikat Prasarana Bhd said despite the accident, which was blamed on the introduction of the contra-flow lane on Jalan Tun Sambanthan on Saturday, its RapidKL buses would operate as usual.

NONE The accident on the new bus and taxi lane in Brickfields, also known as Kuala Lumpur's Little India, could have been "avoided with close cooperation and deep understanding from all parties", Prasarana group director (bus division) Zohari Sulaiman said.

Zohari indicated that the injured pedestrians did not take notice of the recently restructured traffic flow, from a one-way traffic to a two-way traffic.

"Two male pedestrians crossing the road suddenly walked into the path of the bus, while looking only at usual traffic flow for cars.

"The bus could not stop in time and knocked them down. The bus driver stopped the bus and immediately went down to help the injured pedestrians and he was surrounded by a crowd," Zohari said.

Better enforcement, signage needed

He rubbished claims that the driver fled the accident scene, explaining that to "prevent any untoward incident", police took the driver to the police station to record his statement.

"The victims were sent to Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya. When our team got to the bus, we found that it had been vandalised and the windscreen was damaged," he said.

In order to avoid a recurrence, Prasarana called for better enforcement by the police and Kuala Lumpur City Hall officials, as well as better signage informing the people about the change in the traffic flow.

"Pedestrians should not be allowed to cross the street at all points but only at designated areas," said Zohari, adding that Harian Metro reported that the contra-flow has already resulted in five accidents within the last 48 hours.

He also called on members of the public to practise "better civic mindedness... and to always act with restraint".