Kenari Utara Travel & Tours fined RM20,000 for leasing bus to unlicensed operator involved in fatal UPSI student accident that killed 15.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Gerik Magistrate’s Court has convicted Kenari Utara Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd for failing to comply with tourism licence conditions.
The company pleaded guilty to two charges under Regulation 6(1)(f) of the Tourism Industry Regulations 1992 for dealing with an unlicensed party.
MOTAC confirmed the company sold a tour bus and leased its vehicle permit to Noreen Maju Trading, which operated without a valid tourism licence.
This case relates to the June 9 tragedy where bus PLD 8892, operated by Noreen Maju Trading, was involved in a fatal accident while transporting UPSI students.
The court imposed a fine of RM10,000 for each charge, totalling RM20,000, with a five-year jail sentence if the fine is not paid.
Fifteen UPSI students died when the chartered bus crashed on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik.
Thirty-three others were injured, including the bus driver, conductor, and occupants of a multi-purpose vehicle.
“MOTAC emphasises that violations of Act 482 and its regulations constitute a serious criminal offence,” the ministry stated.
The ministry affirmed its commitment to taking firm action against any party that violates tourism laws and threatens industry safety. – Bernama
