PUTRAJAYA, June 10 — More speed-reduction measures, including speed bumps, should be installed along roads in Genting Highlands to reduce accident risks and improve road safety, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said today.

He said greater attention should be given to measures aimed at slowing vehicles and minimising accident risks, particularly at critical locations and key access routes to and from the hill resort.

“There is an urgent need to review and expedite the implementation of more technology-based monitoring measures to enhance road safety management.

“Safety measures cannot only be introduced after accidents occur. We must act from a preventive standpoint and minimise risks as much as possible,” he said in a statement after chairing a coordination meeting on the recent tour bus accident in Genting Highlands.

Tiong said the Road Transport Department (JPJ) had previously proposed the installation of speed-trap facilities along the route, but the proposal could not be implemented as the road is privately owned.

However, he stressed that despite the road being privately managed, it still involves the safety of tourists and members of the public.

He expressed hope that Genting Highlands management would cooperate with the govt and enforcement agencies in implementing safety improvements in the interest of public safety and corporate social responsibility.

“Protecting tourists’ safety, safeguarding the country’s tourism reputation and improving the quality of tourist transport services are shared responsibilities.

“We must be results-oriented and proactive in identifying and addressing weaknesses rather than allowing the same problems to recur,” he said.

Tiong said his ministry would hold further discussions with Genting Highlands management to obtain a clearer picture of the resort’s current road safety management practices.

On the issue of tourist vehicle management, he said any violations affecting public safety should not be taken lightly.

He said enforcement agencies must take action and impose stricter oversight on drivers with outstanding summonses, expired road tax, dangerous driving records, or those operating poorly maintained vehicles that pose safety risks.

“If these issues are allowed to persist for a prolonged period without immediate corrective action, then the system itself must be reviewed,” he said.

Tiong said the accident involving two buses and a sport utility vehicle (SUV) at KM15 of the Genting Highlands-Genting Sempah downhill road on May 30 had highlighted the need for stronger regulation of tourist vehicles, stricter background screening of drivers and more effective road safety enforcement mechanisms.

According to preliminary investigations, the bus driver involved in the accident is suspected of having more than 30 traffic offences on record, including speeding, driving without a valid licence, running traffic lights and using a mobile phone while driving.

“The safety of tourist transportation is not only about protecting lives, but also has a direct impact on the country’s tourism image,” he said. — Bernama