Formation of Independent Transport Safety Board overdue, says Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR – Calls are intensifying for the Malaysian Government to swiftly establish an independent Transport Safety Board, a move deemed long overdue by prominent figures like Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. This proposed board aims to significantly bolster transport safety across all sectors, including the critical civil aviation industry, addressing concerns that current frameworks may lack the comprehensive, independent oversight necessary for preventing future incidents.

The push for this independent body stems from a recognized need to move beyond existing departmental investigations, which critics argue can be influenced by internal biases. An autonomous board, similar to those in other developed nations, would possess the authority to conduct impartial inquiries into accidents and incidents, identify systemic failures, and issue recommendations without political or organizational pressure. This structural change is seen as pivotal for enhancing public confidence and ensuring accountability within Malaysia's transport infrastructure.

For the commercial aviation sector, the formation of such a board holds particular significance. It promises a more robust approach to investigating air incidents, scrutinizing operational protocols, and evaluating regulatory compliance. This independent oversight would complement the work of existing aviation authorities, providing an additional layer of scrutiny crucial for maintaining high safety standards and aligning Malaysia with international best practices in air transport safety management. The proposed board's mandate would cover all aspects of transport, ensuring a unified and consistent safety philosophy across the nation's critical infrastructure.