Summary

  • Minister wants govt to consider such a law on top of amending existing ones following yesterday’s bus tragedy.

  • The UK Act allows prosecution of firms for serious failures in safety management and for negligence resulting in death.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said has proposed introducing a new legislation following the bus crash which claimed the lives of 15 university students.

She said it is time for the government to assess the effectiveness of existing law enforcement, in addition to considering the need to amend the Penal Code or introduce a new Act.

Azalina suggested legislation similar to that practised in the United Kingdom, specifically the UK Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.

“This is an Act that allows a company to be prosecuted for serious failures in how it manages the safety of workers or the public, and for negligence that results in death.

“This Act was established in the UK as a response to several workplace death cases where no corporate entities could be held criminally liable under existing laws - especially companies providing transport services, as these involve priceless human lives,” she said on Facebook.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said

Govt drafting new policy

Yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government is drafting a policy that includes the mandatory use of speed limiters for heavy vehicles to enhance road safety.

“The government will not relent in strengthening road safety measures.

“We are committed to protecting road users, especially from the risks posed by reckless drivers and heavy vehicles that fail to meet safety standards,” he added.

The June 9 crash happened when a chartered bus ferrying Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students from Jertih, Terengganu to Tanjung Malim, Perak overturned after colliding with a multi-purpose vehicle on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik.

The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and attendant, as well as the driver and three passengers of the Perodua Alza involved in the incident.

Gerik bus tragedy: Apad issues show-cause letter to operator

Gerik bus tragedy: Apad issues show-cause letter to operator

Gerik crash: Initial probe reveals bus hit MPV's rear - police

Gerik crash: Initial probe reveals bus hit MPV's rear - police

15 killed in crash between bus ferrying varsity students and MPV

15 killed in crash between bus ferrying varsity students and MPV