KUALA LUMPUR: The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has initiated investigations into claims made on social media about a bus driver who had smoked and used his mobile phone while driving.
In a statement today, SPAD said the investigation was based on a viral video capturing the bus driver's actions, shared on Facebook by a complainant.
SPAD said that at 9.30am yesterday, its enforcement officer had met with the directors of the bus company and the driver involved to assist investigations.
"SPAD also met the complainant at 4.30pm to record an official statement. The video footage and photos received will be used as evidence in the investigation.
"If the investigation confirms that those concerned had endangered passengers and other road users under Section 202 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010, the driver can be punished with a fine not exceeding RM2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both," said the commission.
SPAD said the driver could also be convicted under Section 203 of the Act if he was found guilty of smoking in a public transport vehicle.
"Meanwhile, the operator is also punishable under Section 22 and 23 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 for the offence of flouting the licence condition regarding security, which carries a fine of not less than RM1,000 and not more than RM500,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both."
SPAD said it will be working with other enforcement agencies, such as the police and the Road Transport Department, which are also investigating this case under their own respective jurisdiction and legal provisions.
It added that the SPAD operating licence requires bus operators to comply with the requirements of the Code of Conduct for Industrial Security (ICOP).
"Periodic audits are conducted to ensure compliance to ICOP. SPAD would like to stress to the operator and those found guilty of violating the terms of the license operator, that the commission would take the maximum action allowed under the law.
"People who have experienced or witnessed dangerous driving behavior by public transport operators are urged to report through channels such as the SPAD complaint hotline at 1-800-88-7723, or via email to aduan@spad.gov.my Twitter to @aduanSPAD," the statement said.