GEORGE TOWN: Police have recommended that the drivers of the two factory buses involved in Tuesday’s crash which claimed eight lives be charged with causing death by reckless driving.
Seberang Prai Tengah police chief Assistant Commissioner Nik Ros Ashan Nik Abdul Hamid said they referred the investigation papers to the deputy public prosecutor’s office this afternoon.
“However, they have returned the investigation papers to us, with a few more instructions. We will complete it tonight and refer it to them tomorrow morning.
“Only then we can determine whether the two drivers will have their remand order extended or be charged,” he said today.
The two factory bus drivers , aged 23 and 37, escaped unhurt in the incident and were immediate remanded for four days to assist investigations into the fatal crash.
Checks showed the younger driver had three warrants of arrest issued against him previously for driving without a licence, beating the red light and not wearing a seat belt.
The other driver had no previous record.
Meanwhile, Nik Ros Ashan said nine of the passengers who suffered serious injuries were still under the observation of doctors.
In the 5.50am incident at the north-bound stretch of Km147 of the North-South Expressway, four Indonesian female factory workers of one bus were killed after they were thrown out of the vehicle. Three others died while pinned to their seats.
A passenger of the other bus died pinned to her seat as well. She was identified as Malaysian Noriah Kasa, 40.
The identities of the Indonesians were Titik Katinengsih, 23; Serlia, 21; Tumangger Resni, 22; Yeni, 20; Sartika Pasaribu, 19; Wami Windasih, 19; and, Faridah, 18.
Forty-four others were injured in the incident, including nine seriously. Seven others escaped unhurt.
Earlier today, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng presented financial contribution to Noriah’s three children.
Her eldest daughter, Norasyikin Zuryanidufizan, 20, received the contribution from Lim.
In his speech, Lim urged the Federal government to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the road mishap.
“This is to give the family closure,” he said.