The Transport Ministry has immediately suspended the usage of a bus linked to the fatal electrocution of a teenage boy in Penang last Friday and set up a special task force to investigate the cause of the incident.

Its minister Anthony Loke announced that the task force consists of members of the Road Transport Department (RTD), the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research.

Loke (above) said he had directed Apad to suspend the service of the bus involved to enable the RTD to conduct a full investigation.

“The Transport Ministry treats this electric shock incident, which tragically resulted in the death of a teenager while he was charging his phone on the express bus, with utmost seriousness.

“The task force has been set up to investigate the cause of the incident to prevent such future occurrences and ensure passenger safety. I extend my deepest condolences to the boy’s family,” he said in a statement today.

Yesterday, a teenage boy died from alleged electrocution while attempting to charge his mobile phone using a socket on an express bus at Penang Sentral, Penang, on Nov 1.

Seberang Perai Utara district police chief Anuar Abd Rahman reported that the victim, Mohamad Nur Asymawi Jasmadi, 18, was found dead at 6.10pm.

A preliminary police examination revealed burn marks on the fingers of his left hand, likely caused by an electric shock, with the phone’s cable end melted and the device warm, he said.

- Bernama

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