Goldstar Express (M) Sdn Bhd will not be allowed to operate its entire fleet pending multi-agency investigations into the accident, the commission said in a statement.
“Safety of passengers is an utmost priority and under SPAD’s Operator’s Licence requirements, all land public transport operators are required to uphold the highest of standards in operating their vehicles,” it added.
The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) is leading investigations into the crash, while SPAD will conduct a probe into possible lapses in safety requirements.
The accident is the worst since the Genting Highlands bus crash that killed 37 people three years ago.
Reports say the bus, on its way to Kuala Lumpur from Johor Baru, dived into a ravine along the North-South Expressway, run by toll expressway operator PLUS.
The remaining 16 passengers were injured and reportedly in varying conditions.
SPAD also warned express bus operators of the “full force of the law” if they were found to have broken safety regulations.
“The commission will not hesitate to revoke the Operator’s License and permits of operators that have been found violating safety requirements that are mandatory under the Operator’s License conditions.”