KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Authorities have held a licensed tour company accountable for its role in the June bus crash that killed 15 UPSI students, uncovering illegal dealings behind the tragedy.
The Gerik Magistrate’s Court this week convicted Kenari Utara Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd on two charges under Regulation 6(1)(f) of the Tourism Industry Regulations 1992 for collaborating with an unlicensed travel operator.
Investigations revealed that Kenari Utara had leased its bus and permit (PLD 8892) to Noreen Maju Trading, a company not authorised under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 [Act 482].
On June 9, the same bus—illegally operated by Noreen Maju—veered off the East–West Highway near Tasik Banding, killing 15 students and injuring 33 others.
The court imposed a total fine of RM20,000, with a five-year prison term in default, while Motac reaffirmed that non-compliance with tourism laws amounts to a serious criminal offence.
The ministry said the verdict should send a “clear message” that corporate negligence and profit-driven shortcuts will not go unpunished in the tourism industry.