DAP's Kluang MP Liew Chin Tong wants a royal commission of inquiry on the long-distance bus industry, despite the comprehensive report after the 2013 fatal Genting Highlands bus crash.

A total of 14 people died in the Pagoh bus crash on Christmas Eve, reportedly after the driver had only three hour's sleep before starting the Penang to Johor Baru trip.

"Only a thorough investigation can tell if it was true, but it is commonly alleged that the rather poor remuneration of the long-distance bus industry encourages drivers to take up more trips, some allegedly on drugs to keep themselves awake," Liew in a statement today.

"We can’t just stand by and watch millions of ordinary Malaysians taking long-haul buses with no guarantee of safety.

"Society at large won’t benefit if everyone loses confidence in long-haul buses and start driving their private cars instead."

Liew (photo) said the RCI should aim at reforming the long-haul industry on the salary and health of drivers, safety of vehicles and enforcement.

The Genting Highlands bus crash report, which was submitted to the cabinet on Jan 28, 2014, made 51 recommendations to be implemented within two years, but no changes were made, Liew said.

This was despite "damning" assessments of institutions such as the Road Transport Department (RTD), Public Works Department (PWD) and Puspakom, he said.

"(The report) should warrant a major shake-up, but nothing has happened since," he said.

Among others the report said the relevant agencies "failed to accord public safety as their top priority and demonstrated lackadaisical attitude towards improving road safety".

The report also found the authorities did not enforce speed limits and "poor safe-keeping of documents and records" by RTD meant blacklisted entities were still involved in the industry.

Vehicle inspection agency Puspakom had a "lackadaisical" attitude in inspecting the buses and did not do anything to improve its shortcomings, the report said.

The PWD also did not prioritise road safety, the report said.

The report recommended mandatory star grading for bus drivers and operators and a rehabilitation programme for drivers at risk of a crash.