In the wake of a tragic bus accident that claimed 15 lives and injured 33 others, a leading academic from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is calling for urgent reforms to Malaysia’s bus safety regulations.
Professor Zaini Ahmad, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, highlighted key design and regulatory shortcomings that may have contributed to the severity of recent bus crashes. One of his major concerns is the current four-seat row layout used in many buses, which, according to him, reduces survivability space compared to the more common three-seat configuration seen in express buses. “Passengers have a better chance of surviving in a layout that provides more room during a crash,” he said.
Another critical issue raised was the use of hard, rigid materials in bus seat frames, which can increase the risk of serious injuries during collisions. Prof. Zaini recommended transitioning to impact-absorbing materials that offer greater flexibility and cushioning during accidents, potentially improving overall passenger safety.
Prof. Zaini also pointed to a regulatory gap in Malaysia’s current vehicle safety standards. At present, buses that pass structural joint tests are not required to undergo rollover testing, a loophole he believes should be closed immediately. “Rollover tests are crucial in ensuring the structural integrity of buses during such accidents. Without them, the risk to passengers remains unnecessarily high,” he emphasized.
To enhance public transportation safety, he called for a more comprehensive safety framework that includes:
- Mandatory seatbelt usage
- Improved seat design standards
- Enforced rollover testing for all passenger buses
These recommendations follow the revocation of the operating permit of the bus company involved in the recent crash and the suspension of the driver’s PSV (Public Service Vehicle) licence.
As Malaysia continues to modernize and expand its public transport network, experts like Prof. Zaini stress that passenger safety must remain at the forefront of industry standards and regulatory oversight.
