The Ministry of Transport is evaluating a proposal to establish the Malaysian Transportation Safety Board (MTSB), a specialised agency that would be tasked with investigating road accidents nationwide. The initiative stems from recommendations made by a special task force set up to examine two recent tragedies: a fatal crash involving Federal Reserve Unit personnel in Teluk Intan, and the Gerik, Perak, tour bus disaster that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students.
According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, the proposal is still under ministerial consideration but reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening road safety governance. The creation of the MTSB would mark the first time Malaysia has had a dedicated body focused solely on in-depth accident investigation, mirroring the role of transportation safety boards in other countries.
In parallel with the proposal, the Ministry of Transport is working on measures to enhance the professional standing of drivers in Malaysia. Plans include comprehensive training programmes aimed at producing more competent and highly skilled drivers, with the ultimate goal of elevating the social status of those in the profession.
Loke stated that the ministry intends to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure these drivers are not only better trained but also more widely respected for their role in the nation’s transportation system.
