Video of Malaysian express bus driver hitting passenger goes viral, stat board to take action

The driver (in yellow) hitting passenger for allegedly sleeping on the the bus. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM YOUTUBE

PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has reminded bus operators to closely monitor and discipline their drivers to ensure they are courteous and provide quality service to commuters at all times.

The directive follows a recent video that went viral involving an express bus driver who allegedly abused a passenger last Monday (Jan 25) during a journey from Malacca to Penang.

In the video, the driver was seen hitting a passenger for allegedly sleeping in his seat.

"The Land Public Transport Commission would like to express regret that the passenger involved had to endure such a harrowing experience during his journey," it said in a statement on Sunday (Jan 31).

SPAD said it viewed the matter seriously and had been in contact with the abused passenger to record his statement.

It added that the passenger had filed a police report on Jan 28 at the Melaka Tengah police station following the advice of SPAD.

"SPAD will continue to provide PDRM with the necessary support and information about the driver and the express bus operator to ensure stern and swift action is taken against the irresponsible driver for the unacceptable conduct.

"SPAD has also instructed the express bus operator involved in this case to attend a due investigation meeting on Feb 1, to clarify facts and gather more information for next course of action under Section 22 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010," it said.

"Additional forms of evidence such as audio or video recordings, or even witnesses contact details will greatly enhance our ability to bring errant drivers to book.

"With the right information, we can ensure that irresponsible drivers are swiftly identified and dealt with."

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