The Gerik Bus Tragedy a Call for Zero Tolerance on Malaysian Roads

On June 9, 2025, Malaysia witnessed one of its deadliest road tragedies in over a decade. A bus carrying 42 students from Sultan Idris Education University collided with a minivan on the East–West Highway near Gerik, Perak.

The result? 15 lives lost and 31 others critically injured. This catastrophe isn’t just another statistic; it’s a glaring indictment of a system that tolerates habitual offenders behind the wheel. Let’s not forget the carnage on the roads last year, this probably is why Malaysia is in the top ten of scariest nations to drive in.

The bus driver, employed by Syarikat Kenari Utara, was no stranger to the law. He had accumulated 19 traffic summons, 13 of which were for speeding. The bus itself wasn’t innocent either, with 21 outstanding summons. Yet, both continued to operate, unchecked and unchallenged. This isn’t just negligence; it’s a systemic failure that prioritizes convenience over human lives.

This clown should have never been allowed to drive a Public Service Vehicle, it is an outrage!

In the UK, a driver with 12 or more penalty points within three years faces a mandatory driving ban. However, loopholes exist. Some offenders exploit the ‘exceptional hardship’ clause to retain their licenses, even with over 12 points.

This leniency has led to thousands of habitual offenders remaining on the roads, undermining public safety and the very essence of deterrence. Some claim that it is merely policing for profits.

Contrast this with the approach in Poland, where recent proposals aim for lifetime driving bans for repeat offenders. Such measures underscore the seriousness with which some nations treat road safety. Malaysia, it seems, lags behind.

If Malaysia is to reduce its road fatalities, it must adopt a zero-tolerance policy. Errant drivers should face escalating bans for repeated offenses. The first serious infraction?

A five-year ban. The second? Ten years. The third? A lifetime ban. Okay, that is a tad draconian, but no exceptions, no excuses and diligent follow-up to ensure drivers are obeying the ban. This isn’t about punishing individuals but protecting the public from those who repeatedly demonstrate a blatant disregard for safety.

And don’t get me started on the motorbike community…

The Gerik bus tragedy serves as a stark reminder: allowing habitual offenders to remain on the roads is a gamble with human lives. It’s time Malaysia took a hard stance. Implement strict penalties, close loopholes, and ensure that those who endanger others are permanently removed from the equation.

Only then can we hope to see a significant decline in road fatalities.