KUALA LUMPUR – The government should explore legislation that holds companies accountable for serious safety failures resulting in loss of life, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has urged.
She highlighted the United Kingdom’s Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 as a potential model, noting that it was introduced following multiple fatal workplace incidents where corporations evaded criminal liability, Bernama reported.
“The UK introduced this law in response to several fatal workplace incidents where no corporation could be held accountable, particularly in the transport sector, despite the fact that such negligence cost human lives which are invaluable,” she said in a Facebook post.
Government urged to strengthen corporate accountability
Azalina also supported Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s call for firm action following Monday’s tragic bus crash in Gerik, which claimed the lives of 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).
She urged the government to review current enforcement measures and consider Penal Code amendments to enhance corporate accountability for negligence.
Yesterday, Loke confirmed that the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) had issued a show-cause letter to the bus operator involved in the crash at KM53 of the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik.
He added that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is conducting safety audits and inspections of the company and the bus, under the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Land Public Transport Act.
“Firm action will be taken once investigations are complete. Every life lost is not only a tragedy for the family, but a loss for the nation’s future,” Loke said in his own Facebook statement. – June 10, 2025