Express bus with 20 passengers crashes into lorry, police investigate possible driver negligence.
A Kuala Lumpur-bound express bus carrying 20 passengers collided with the rear of a lorry at KM61.9 of the North-South Expressway, Johor, on the morning of March 5, 2025. The crash left 12 people injured, including the 44-year-old bus driver, who sustained leg and abdominal injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation into the accident, citing potential driver negligence as a contributing factor.
This accident raises concerns about road safety and driver responsibility on Malaysia’s major highways. As express buses continue to be a popular mode of transportation for long-distance travel, authorities must address potential risks to ensure passenger safety.
The Early Morning Collision
The accident occurred at approximately 6:30 AM on March 5, when the express bus, attempting to overtake a lorry, clipped its right rear section. The impact caused significant damage to the front left side of the bus, leading to injuries among passengers and the driver.
According to Superintendent Nik Mohd Azmi Husin, deputy police chief of Kluang, the 44-year-old bus driver, identified as Mohamad Zaini Temizy, suffered leg and abdominal injuries, while 11 passengers sustained minor wounds. The lorry driver, aged 51, and the assistant bus driver, aged 43, escaped unharmed.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported the injured passengers to nearby medical facilities. Three victims were taken to Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital in Batu Pahat, while the remaining injured passengers were sent to Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital in Kluang.
Medical personnel have confirmed that none of the injuries are life-threatening. However, authorities are monitoring the condition of the bus driver, whose injuries required further medical evaluation.
Authorities are treating the case under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which pertains to careless and inconsiderate driving. Investigators are also examining whether fatigue or distractions played a role in the crash.
“The bus driver’s blood sample has been taken to determine if alcohol or drug use was involved,” Superintendent Nik Mohd Azmi stated. Initial reports indicate that both the bus and lorry drivers had valid licenses, ruling out any immediate legal violations concerning their documentation.
This incident is part of a growing trend of road accidents involving express buses in Malaysia. In previous cases, driver fatigue and reckless driving have been cited as major factors in highway collisions. Transportation authorities are under increasing pressure to enforce stricter regulations on long-haul bus drivers, particularly concerning rest breaks and adherence to speed limits.
While Malaysia’s North-South Expressway remains one of the most efficient routes for long-distance travel, incidents like this continue to highlight the need for enhanced safety protocols and stricter enforcement of road regulations.
This latest express bus crash on the North-South Expressway underscores ongoing concerns about road safety and driver responsibility in Malaysia. With 12 passengers injured and an investigation underway, authorities must take action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For Singaporeans and international travelers, this accident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in long-distance bus travel. Ensuring stricter enforcement of road laws and holding transport companies accountable will be essential to maintaining the safety of passengers on major highways.
Sources: NST Online (2025), The Star (2025)
Keywords: Bus Accident, Johor, Expressway Crash, Road Safety, Malaysia
