Teen electrocuted on bus: Wiring didn't meet safety rules, says KL minister

Electrical wiring on an express bus which caused the tragic death of an 18-year-old passenger due to electrocution did not comply with safety standards, said Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

Mr Loke said a special task force set up to investigate the incident found several critical lapses in the bus' wiring and equipment.

He said the task force reported that the wiring connection from the distribution box to the socket was installed in reverse, and the electrical equipment used in the bus failed to meet the required safety standards.

Additionally, the wiring installation was carried out by unlicensed personnel, contrary to the Energy Commission's guidelines.

"While the bus' structural components adhered to approved technical plans and passed a Puspakom inspection on May 20, the electrical wiring issues required immediate attention," he said during a media conference at the Parliament building on Nov 20.

Puspakom is a vehicle inspection company appointed by the Malaysian government to conduct inspections for commercial and private vehicles.