KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 — Swift enforcement and a proper monitoring system must be put in place as bus drivers and passengers shared their views over the Transport Ministry’s latest guidelines on bus drivers and operators to minimise the number of accidents nationwide.

Bus driver Ardi Sidi Sairan, 45, said the regulations — which includes daily drug tests for drivers, seatbelts in buses and a rating system to monitor operators and drivers —was a good move but stressed there should be strict enforcement.

“Our buses have seat belts but most passengers refuse to fasten them saying it was uncomfortable,” he said.

“Conducting daily drug tests could delay our journey. I agree a drug test is needed but perhaps it should be done on a weekly basis instead.”

Mohd Tarmizi Hussein, who has been driving buses for the past 10 years, said passengers at times complained he was driving “too slow”.

“Some passengers will come up to me and ask why am I driving as per the speed limit and not faster. You just can’t blame bus drivers as there are many other contributing factors,” said Tarmizi, 37.

Tarmizi said they had to also deal with bad drivers during their trips.

“I’ve been in situations where the vehicle in front me will suddenly brake or switch lanes without warning. There was once where I had to slam the brakes and the passengers, who were unaware of what happened, actually lodged a complaint with the company. I’m thankful my company heard my side of what transpired and did not take any action.”

Another driver Lee Keong Tham, 37, said bus drivers lacked sleep due to the tight schedule.

“Although there are two drivers assigned for a trip, they are both awake to look out for each other. Our trips get delayed due to heavy traffic. When that happens, we have little time to sleep before our next trip,” Lee said.

Businessman Zairine Anwar, 34, who uses buses frequently agrees most drivers suffer from lack of sleep.

“I am not surprised some of them take banned substance to stay awake. Also, some drivers tend to text or talk on their mobile phones and this has to stop,” Zairine said.

Sales manager S. Chandran, 49, said while the guidelines serve as a wake up call to bus drivers, equal attention is finally paid towards the structure and design of the bus.