Stretch is bumpy and windy, says Liow

Stretch is bumpy and windy, says Liow

Showing concern: Liow having a word with Wan Khairul at the Bentong Hospital after the accident. — Bernama

BENTONG: The Jalan Bentong-Raub road should be upgraded as its current condition is not suitable for heavy traffic flow, especially during the festive season, said Bentong MP Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

Liow said the road was “quite bumpy and windy”, and not comfortable for users.

The MCA president said the road was the main route for travellers from Kuala Lumpur and Bentong to Kota Baru, and was used heavily, adding that it needed further repair and upgrading.

“I hope the Government will do something to improve the road condition,” Liow said after visiting express bus driver Wan Khairul Affendi Wan Mustafa who was warded in Bentong Hospital after a fatal accident here yesterday.

In PETALING JAYA, Road Safety Department director-general Da-tuk Dr Tam Weng Wah said

bus operators and companies should be responsible in ensuring that their drivers adhered to the standard safety rules and regulations.

“Without trying to jump into any conclusion, bus companies should first take responsibility of their drivers to ensure that they are clean from drugs and do not have a history of committing traffic offences.

“It is important for operators to vet each of their drivers before allowing them to drive a bus,” he said yesterday.

He felt it was unfair to put the blame on the road design whenever an accident occurred.

“Road designs are just among the many factors that could contribute to an accident,” he pointed out.

“We must look at other factors such as the weather, speed of the vehicle, its condition and attitude of the driver before one determines the real reason behind a crash.”

He proposed that bus companies come up with an internal system where passengers could either SMS or provide their feedback and improve services in the bus industry.