Transport firm's vehicle permits suspended over tragic accident

PUTRAJAYA: Transport Ministry has ordered an immediate two-week suspension of the permits of 28 vehicles of Syarikat Usaha Maju Trading Sdn Bhd, one of which was involved in a tragic road accident that claimed five lives last Saturday.

Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said yesterday the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) will issue the suspension notice to the company and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has been instructed to ensure that all the 28 vehicles are at the depot during the period.

The accident, between a trailer lorry and a car, occurred at 11.45 am on Saturday near the Menora Tunnel in Perak on the NorthSouth Expressway and the five occupants of the car burned to death.

Loke told a press conference that the company faces the risk of having its operating licence suspended if a SPAD audit finds other offences that warrant action.

He said the stern action is being taken to drive home the message to transport companies that they will have to take the rap if they pay little attention to safety.

The minister said he has also instructed the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) to conduct a study on the structure of the road along the alignment and look into alternative routes to prevent commercial vehicles from using the highway.