Malaysia Revokes Bus Company Permit After Gerik Crash Killing 15 Students

Malaysia's Transport Ministry, led by Minister Anthony Loke, has revoked the operating permit of Kenari Utara, the bus company involved in the fatal crash in Gerik, Perak, that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students. The revocation follows findings that the operator illegally leased its permit to a third party in Kelantan for RM500 a month and failed to activate the bus's GPS tracking system, both clear violations of permit conditions. Minister Loke emphasized that the cancellation is permanent, with no appeals to be considered in this case. Preliminary investigations also showed the bus was speeding and overtaking before losing control, though a full forensic analysis is underway to verify claims of brake failure. In addition to the permit revocation, the ministry plans to develop a centralized database of bus drivers to better address driver negligence. These measures aim to enhance road safety and prevent similar tragedies in the future.