PUTRAJAYA: The company of the express bus linked to the Penang electrocution incident has failed the Occupational Safety and Health Industry Code of Practice for Road Transport Activities 2010 (ICOP) audit conducted by the Road Transport Department (JPJ). Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the company now faces the suspension of its operating permit following the audit result yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ICOP audit has been conducted, and indeed, the company failed. JPJ will refer the matter to the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), as the authority for suspending permits lies with APAD. APAD will issue a letter of action against them for a specified period, during which they may appeal to the Minister’s Office, Loke told reporters after attending the Cahaya Kasih MADANI programme and the monthly assembly of the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

Loke also dismissed accusations that he had abused his power by immediately suspending the operation of the bus involved in the incident that led
to the death of a teenage boy. He clarified that he only stated the bus operation was suspended, not the company’s permit.

On Nov 6, MCA Youth deputy chairman Mike Chong Yew Chuan reportedly said that the minister’s decision to instruct APAD to immediately suspend the operations of the bus company was a hasty decision made without understanding the actual cause of the incident. Loke stated that following the incident on Nov 1, the ministry set up a special task force and directed APAD to immediately suspend the operation of the bus involved to allow further investigation by JPJ.

Loke emphasized that all actions are based on legal provisions and compliance with existing processes and procedures, reiterating that no one is being victimised, and public safety remains the priority.