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SPAD chief suggests CCTV for express buses, again

SPAD chief suggests CCTV for express buses, again

Three years after Genting bus crash, which killed 37 people, SPAD chairman Syed Hamid Albar repeats same call for CCTV and new demerit system, to check drivers.

cctv-bus-syed-hamidPETALING JAYA: The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Syed Hamid Albar has repeated a call he first made in 2013 for buses to be fitted with closed-circuit televisions (CCTV).

He added that aside from CCTV, all express and intercity bus companies may soon be required to install speed limiters in their vehicles as well as have their drivers subjected to a demerit system, theSun reported today.

“New buses introduced to the market more recently already have speed limiters pre-installed, but many existing buses are still not equipped with the technology.

“Many old buses do not support speed limiters due to

their old technology, but there are no excuses for buses manufactured in recent years not to have them.

“The problem is, just look at how many existing buses have them installed, and how many do not? And when an accident happens, it’s usually because they do not comply with SPAD’s regulations and requirements,” Syed Hamid told theSun.

He reminded bus companies to look at introducing these measures following the Johor bus crash which killed 14 people last Saturday.

Back in August 2013, Syed Hamid was reported as saying that SPAD was looking at the possibility of regulating the installation of CCTV, GPS and dashboard DVR camera for the express, stage and tour buses following the Genting Highlands bus accident which killed 37 people on Aug 21 that year.

“It is possible for this proposal to happen but we need to undertake an in-depth study on how to implement it. The CCTV, GPS tracking system and DVR from within the bus coach can be helpful to monitor the drivers conduct and assess what actually occurred during an accident,” Syed Hamid was quoted as saying at the time.

It is not known if the “in-depth study” was ever undertaken since it was suggested by the former minister in 2013.

According to theSun, Syed Hamid also said SPAD was studying the possibility of installing telematics, which function in the same way that black boxes help record flight data on planes.

“Although telematics is able to read and record the driving habits and patterns, accidents can still happen due to other factors like the negligence and carelessness of the drivers.

“So, whether or not we install telematics, the issue is always on passengers’ safety. Which is why we are, for example, asking for CCTVs to be installed in buses,” he was quoted as saying by theSun.

He added that the purpose would be for drivers to be constantly monitored and action to be taken by the bus companies in the event of any misbehaviour or negligence on the part of drivers, as captured on video.

Syed Hamid also mooted the idea of the demerit system for bus drivers to deter them from committing offences, but admitted that SPAD would need to work with other authorities, such as the Road Transport Department (JPJ), local government bodies and the police to make the system work.

“Currently, we are already giving out prizes to the best bus companies and what not. Now, I think what would be the best move is to have the demerit system introduced.

“But we need to discuss with the police, JPJ and others so we can all coordinate our efforts,” he said.

Risk-based insurance

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), which is under the purview of the transport ministry, has suggested a risk-based insurance for bus companies.

Miros director-general Wong Shaw Voon said this was one way to pressure companies into taking safety more seriously.

“Bus companies that pose higher risk and do not take care about safety should pay higher premiums for their insurance, while those with a good track record with evidence should pay lower.

“This is regulated by Bank Negara. I think they may already start discussing on this initiative. But it should be on the companies, and not the drivers,” theSun quoted Wong as saying.


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