KUALA LUMPUR: Bus owners must ensure that their drivers undergo regular medical check-ups and are monitored to make sure that they are not involved in drug abuse or crime.
President of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca), Datuk Marimuthu Nadason, said despite the various operations undertaken by the authorities against the errant drivers, it was said to see the problems kept on recurring.
“The recent statement by Road Transport Department director-general, Datuk Solah Mat Hassan, that the 46 drivers nabbed under ‘Op Selamat’ were tested positive for drugs is disturbing,” he told Bernama here yesterday.
He said the authorities were not solely to be blamed for this problem as the bus operators needed to also do a background check on their drivers to ensure they did not have any criminal records and not commit traffic offences.
“Fomca views this seriously as this should not be a ‘seasonal problem’ because it will endanger the safety of road users, bus passengers and others,” he said.
Marimuthu said bus drivers resorted to use of drugs or alcohol to ‘chase’ for more trips to earn more money.
“Fomca proposes that bus owners offer better salaries or allowances to the drivers so that they can have enough rest and take care of their health,” he said.
Meanwhile, chairman of National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, said although he supported the use of two drivers for each trip, the bus owners must still monitor them.
“The owners must cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure that their drivers are not involved in crime or drug abuse,” he said. — Bernama