An express bus carrying 31 passengers was stopped after authorities discovered the driver did not possess a valid driving licence.
The incident took place in Kota Setar, Kedah, during Ops TBC 2026 enforcement operations.
Driver failed to produce required licences
According to the Kedah Road Transport Department, the driver was unable to produce a Competent Driving Licence as well as a Public Service Vehicle licence, both of which are mandatory for public transport drivers.
Further checks revealed that the bus was originally registered as a tour bus.
Although the company had applied for a Temporary Change Licence in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive season to operate as an express bus, the vehicle was found operating outside the approved route stated in the licence.
This meant the bus was not only driven by an unlicensed driver, but was also operating beyond its permitted scope.
Bus detained, company ordered to send replacement driver
Authorities subsequently detained the bus for further investigation.
To ensure the safety and welfare of passengers, the bus company was instructed to immediately provide a licensed driver and deploy a replacement bus so that the journey could continue safely.
No compromise on public safety
The department stressed that violations involving public transport regulations will not be tolerated, especially when passenger lives are at stake.
They also urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities involving public transport vehicles.
The case is currently under further investigation.
