KUALA LUMPUR: The operating licence of the tour company linked to a deadly bus crash along Km 16.5 of Jalan Genting-Bentong yesterday, has been suspended.
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the suspension was pending the outcome of investigations into the accident.
Two Chinese nationals were killed 19 others including the driver were injured when the bus landed on its side while travelling downhill in the 10.40am incident.
Yesterday, Bentong district police chief Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar said the driver did not possess a driving licence and had 27 previous traffic summonses.
The driver has since been arrested.
"I have also instructed the ministry to probe the tour company because it is understood they have a subline," he told reporters after visiting the accident victims at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL).
Also present was the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
"I also received complaints from passengers that the bus was noisy and the air-conditioning was not working."
Tiong said he was also told that the passengers came to Malaysia for a six-day trip and had to change buses three times, indicating it was not well maintained.
Eight victims are being treated at HKL and are in stable condition.
Meanwhile, Tiong said a special meeting between his ministry and the Transport Ministry would be held on Tuesday to discuss the incident.
The two ministries would also discuss standard operating procedures relating to tour companies and buses, which come under the Transport Ministry via the Road Transport Department.
Tiong said if the tour company was found to be negligent, the ministry would cancel its licence.
He also apologised to all victims involved in the accident.