246.CONDOLENCES TO THE PLUS HIGHWAY VICTIMS

The fatal accident that killed 10 passengers at 1.00 am on Saturday morning was front page news today on most national newspapers. The horrific express bus accident happened on North South Highway at the 272 KM just about 8km away from the Jelapang Ipoh Plaza northbound. I recalled this is the worst accident ever happened along that stretch since the toll operator upgraded that dreaded and eerie Jelapang stretch.

We offer our condolences and prayers to the families of the victims. Much has been said about the conditions of the express buses plying the highways and the conditions of drivers driving those buses. Much has also been said by the minister in charge and the relevant authorities but nothing much really has been done to address the issue of fatigue bus drivers.

It is high time the authorities seriously address the issue of errant drivers of express buses and their physical conditions, their working conditions and remunerations. In fact the whole system of long haul bus operations stinks and needs immediate total revamp!

Only late last month we lost two good friends in another tragic accident along East West Highway near Banding, Gerik on the way to Kota Bharu for their daughter's wedding reception. Their car was rammed by a car coming from the opposite direction.

Malaysia just cannot afford to continue losing innocent lives through accidents like these.