logo
JRTB overhaul, enhanced facilities proposed by Perak after UPSI bus crash kills 15 students

JRTB overhaul, enhanced facilities proposed by Perak after UPSI bus crash kills 15 students

Malay Mail12-06-2025
IPOH, June 12 — The Perak government will submit a proposal to the federal government to upgrade the East-West Highway (JRTB) linking Gerik and Jeli, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
He said the state government will also propose the development of a new alignment to replace the current route, which links Perak to the East Coast states.
'The matter (proposal to improve JRTB) was discussed during the state executive council meeting yesterday.
'I have asked Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin (State Infrastructure, Energy, Water, and Public Transport Committee chairman) to prepare the proposal,' he said, adding that he would also propose the matter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his working visit to Lumut this Sunday.
He spoke to reporters today after officiating the closing ceremony of Perak Export Day 2025, hosted by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, which was also attended by its chairman, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, here.
Elaborating, Saarani said JRTB has been out of concession for the past 40 years, adding that it is high time to conduct a more thorough review of the route.
'Parts of the road have worn down to the base, exposing the soil. Patching is no longer an option. That's why we've asked Datuk Seri Nizar to outline what needs to be done in terms of alignment, road widening, construction materials, and all necessary elements, including street lighting and road markings,' he said.
Meanwhile, Saarani said the state government will also propose the upgrading of Gerik Hospital, as well as increasing the number of related facilities and medical specialists along the route.
'In the event of a major incident, Gerik Hospital is insufficient to handle a large number of casualties. The federal government should also consider providing additional facilities such as mobile police stations or fire and rescue brigades along the JRTB route,' he said, adding that this is to ensure shorter response time.
On Monday, 15 Universiti Perguruan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students were killed when a chartered bus travelling from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's main campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak, overturned after colliding with a multi-purpose vehicle on the highway. — Bernama
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

E-hailing firms Maxim, InDrive risk losing licences, says Loke
E-hailing firms Maxim, InDrive risk losing licences, says Loke

Free Malaysia Today

timean hour ago

  • Free Malaysia Today

E-hailing firms Maxim, InDrive risk losing licences, says Loke

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said both inDrive and Maxim had started making improvements. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Russian-founded e-hailing firms inDrive and Maxim risk having their licences revoked if they fail to ensure their drivers comply with key requirements, including obtaining e-hailing vehicle permits. Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said both companies were found to have allowed their drivers to operate without an EVP, a key condition under their operating licence, Bernama reported. Loke acknowledged that while the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) had recommended revoking the companies' licences in April for allowing their drivers to operate without EVPs, doing so could burden drivers and passengers who relied on the platforms. Both operators had appealed and the ministry granted a three-month monitoring period starting July 24. 'We've outlined the steps they must take, and they've started making improvements,' Loke said after launching the Kota Setar service in Alor Setar today. 'As this is their first offence, we are giving them the opportunity to rectify the issues. 'However, if they continue to violate (e-hailing) conditions, their licences may be suspended or cancelled.' In September 2022, the road transport department had raided inDrive's Malaysian office and discovered that the firm was operating with an expired licence. In 2023, Maxim was also raided by Apad officers for allowing vehicles to operate without a valid permit.

First offence: Loke says Maxim, InDrive given chance to fix compliance issues
First offence: Loke says Maxim, InDrive given chance to fix compliance issues

Malay Mail

time3 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

First offence: Loke says Maxim, InDrive given chance to fix compliance issues

ALOR SETAR, July 28 — The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has issued a stern warning to e-hailing operators, Aist Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Maxim) and ID Applications Sdn Bhd (InDrive), to comply with all service requirements to operate in the country, including the mandatory E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP), or risk having their licences suspended or revoked. Minister Anthony Loke said both companies are currently under a three-month monitoring period, during which they are expected to demonstrate full compliance. 'Any operator facing enforcement action has the right to appeal to the MOT, and both companies have done so. 'We've outlined the corrective actions they must take, and we've observed that they've begun making improvements. As this is their first offence, we are giving them the opportunity to rectify the issues. 'However, if they continue to violate the conditions, their licences may be suspended or cancelled,' he told reporters after launching the Kota Setar service in Kota Setar today. Loke acknowledged that the offences committed by the two companies, primarily operating without EVP compliance, were serious. However, he said the ministry also took into account the potential impact on drivers and passengers who rely on both platforms. 'If we were to shut them down immediately without giving a chance for improvement, we'd be facing backlash from affected users. As with any decision, there will always be differing opinions,' he added. On April 24, the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) issued a Notice of Licence Revocation to both Maxim and InDrive, with effect from July 24, after an audit revealed major compliance failures, particularly related to EVP requirements. Following this, both companies submitted appeals to the MOT, which accepted and granted them a three-month probationary period starting July 24 to fully adhere to service conditions, failing which would result in regulatory action, with no further leniency. — Bernama

Proton International Corp eyes 6,000 export sales this year, targets tenfold growth by 2030
Proton International Corp eyes 6,000 export sales this year, targets tenfold growth by 2030

Malay Mail

time3 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

Proton International Corp eyes 6,000 export sales this year, targets tenfold growth by 2030

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 — Proton Holdings Bhd's international arm, Proton International Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB), is aiming for export sales of 6,000 vehicles this year. The company targets to double that figure next year and exceed 10 times that volume by 2030. It currently exports to 19 countries, Proton said in a statement today. PICSB chief executive officer Edmund Lim Meng Thong said the company has set ambitious targets for the next few years and is actively hiring more talent for its regional sales and marketing teams. 'We are also excited about the progress made at the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV), which will boost our production capability to meet growing international demand,' he said. With export sales identified as a key driver of future sales growth, PICSB is aiming to expand to the Global South while also continuing to oversee and develop sales and marketing efforts in existing overseas markets. After starting exports to Bangladesh in 1986, the national carmaker rapidly expanded its international reach, becoming the fastest-growing new car franchise in the United Kingdom by 1992, with annual sales reaching 15,000 units. By the early 2000s, Proton models were present in 64 countries globally, with the company then strategically shifting its focus to high-growth regional markets such as Asean, China, India, the Middle East, and North Africa. 'In 2025, Proton remains committed to expanding its global presence by introducing new models and technologies to international markets. 'As of this year, the company has exported 20,169 vehicles to 19 countries since 2020, making it the leading exporter of vehicles from Malaysia,' it said. Proton has announced that its Proton 7 is making an impact in export sales. Since 2020, Proton's top three exported models are the Proton Saga, with 10,998 units sold, followed by the Proton X50 with 3,986 units, and the Proton X70 with 3,316 units. It noted that the Proton 7 has risen to third place in export sales this year. 'Since its export began to Nepal and Trinidad & Tobago, a total of 233 units have been delivered. 'Since its launch in December 2024, the model has maintained strong sales with 916 units sold in May for domestic and international markets, bringing its total year-to-date (YTD) sales to 3,632 units,' Proton said. — Bernama

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store