MOT: Faulty Wiring Caused Electrocution And Death Of Teen On Express Bus

Earlier this month, an 18-year-old male passenger was found electrocuted to death in his seat aboard an express bus that arrived in Penang. (Image: Bernama)

Earlier today, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) issued an official statement where it revealed the findings by the special task force it established to investigate the recent electrocution death of a teen passenger aboard an express bus.

“As an initial measure, the land public transport agency (APAD) issued a show-cause letter to the operator, Konsortium Bas Ekspres Semenanjung (M) Sdn Bhd, on Nov 4. On Nov 5, the road transport department (JPJ), accompanied by the Energy Commission (ST) and the fire and rescue department, inspected the bus in Butterworth, Penang,” says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

According to investigators, the teen’s electrocution was caused by faulty electrical wiring that did not comply with safety standards. In fact, investigators discovered that the wiring connection from the distribution box (DB) to the socket was installed in reverse.

A special task force was established by the MOT to investigate this incident, and they've discovered faulty wiring that did not comply with safety standards as the cause of the deadly electrocution. (Image: Bernama)

Investigators also noted that the electrical equipment used aboard the bus failed to meet the required safety standards, and that an unlicenced person was responsible for carrying out the wiring installation, which is contrary to the guidelines set by ST.

Further inspections were also carried out on Nov 6 at the manufacturer’s premises in Beranang, Selangor by representatives from the ST, JPJ, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), and SIRIM.

During which, APAD also identified another bus from the same operator that had similar electrical wiring issues. The agency has since issued a temporary suspension of operations for said express bus operator pending further investigations.

Based from the findings of this investigation, the MOT issued a directive via APAD that temporarily banned express bus passengers from using on board three-pin power sockets. The ministry adds that this suspension remains in effect until it issues new policies and wiring guidelines.

The official statement issued by MOT with findings from the special task force it established.

“Moving forward, APAD will require both new and existing bus operators to submit certified inspection reports or certificates for additional electrical wiring installations, conducted by accredited bodies recognised by the Department of Standards Malaysia,” continued Loke.

To prevent similar incidents in the future, the MOT says it will implement stricter enforcement of safety standards for electrical wiring and related equipment primed in public transport vehicles with enhanced monitoring and tighter compliance measures.

Loke further emphasised that passenger safety is considered seriously by the government, and he ensures that tighter measures will be practiced to prevent similar instances from recurring.