Gerik Crash: Motac Urges Return Of Authority Over Tourism Vehicles

Following the fatal bus crash in Gerik that killed 15 UPSI students recently, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) called for the authority to regulate tourism transportation to be reinstated to the ministry, citing serious safety protocol issues beyond a mere accident.

The incident has caused significant concern and eroded trust in the nation's tourism safety measures among participants from ASEAN, the Middle East, China, Japan, and South Korea, the ministry says in a statement.

"The threat to confidence in these transport mechanisms comes as Malaysia is actively preparing for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), thereby raising doubts about Malaysia's tourism safety image in the international market," it says, adding that the Tourism Vehicles Licensing Act 1999 (Act 594) regulatory authority has shifted from Motac to APAD.



Following the power transfer, according to the ministry, a complete tourism regulatory framework with safety regulations and international standards was not established, resulting in a regulatory gap.

Motac previously proposed reforms including multiple drivers for long trips, daily driving hour limits, mandatory rest, pre-trip drug tests, GPS tracking, and insurance for tourism bus drivers.

"However, because Motac does not hold direct regulatory power, these measures have yet to be fully implemented, and the risks to tourists continue,” it added.
In order to promptly return regulatory control of tourism transportation to Motac and close current regulatory loopholes, Motac strongly requests swift measures from all involved parties, especially the Ministry of Transport.

"Only in this way can we rebuild Malaysia's image as a safe and reliable tourism destination, on par with international standards, ensuring that visitors, including academic exchange groups, can enjoy their experience with full confidence," the statement concluded.