It was reported in The Star:
The bus involved in the horrific accident along the Cameron Highlands-Simpang Pulai road which killed 27 people was to be used only for city tours, not for long-distance travels, especially those involving hilly terrain, experts say.
They said high-decked buses were unsuitable for travelling uphill as the centre of gravity was higher, making such vehicles very unstable.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) vehicle safety and engineering division director Dr Wong Shaw Voon said such buses were only meant for city tours, like the famous ones used in London.
“The bus can become unstable when going uphill or when travelling at a higher speed. This is especially when drivers negotiate sharp bends,” he said.
More of the report:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/22/nation/7668401&sec=nation
A few years ago, when I was driving an older couple from Hong Kong, using the old road from Tanah Rata back to Batu Gajah, I earned the nickname, 'Onn cheen tai yat' or 'Safety First' because I practically tailed other cars all the way! The simple reason was that my driving experience using the route, though travelled many times, was few and far between. I always believe in travelling at speeds within my control, more so in the presence of others who are older than me.
When driving downhill from the highlands, invariably I would come across vehicles which overtook me at great speed, especially drivers of heavy vehicles who must have thought they were familiar with the road. Who are we to question them?
Cameron Highlands is one of our favourite places for day trips, especially since the opening of the newer Pos Slim-Cameron Highlands road which reduced travelling time from Batu Gajah by half, depending on which part of Cameron we are heading to. The road is also generally more gentle, wider and less winding.
For those unfamiliar with Cameron Highlands: using the new route, it is nearer and quicker to Kg. Raja than say, Brinchang or Tanah Rata. On the other hand, using the old route, you would reach Tanah Rata first, then Brinchang and then Kg. Raja.
For those coming from the south, like Kuala Lumpur, they have a choice of starting the winding journey a few kilometres after exiting at Tapah, or continue on the North-South Expressway and exit at Simpang Pulai to go on the new road. Some people would not mind going further on the NSE to use the less arduous route.
But I must say, using the new route, I miss visiting Bharat Tea Shop which is beside the road and next to their tea plantation:
http://www.cameron-highland-destination.com/highlands-bharat-tea-plantation-shop-tour.html
Using the new route, Boh Plantation is nearer. Despite its more inconvenient location which requires a few kilometres of winding road to reach its factory (open to visitors) and its new cafe, it is worth a visit because it offers a panaromic view of its plantation and beyond: http://www.cameron-highland-destination.com/highlands-bharat-tea-plantation-shop-tour.html
Link
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/12/22/nation/7668401&sec=nation
A few years ago, when I was driving an older couple from Hong Kong, using the old road from Tanah Rata back to Batu Gajah, I earned the nickname, 'Onn cheen tai yat' or 'Safety First' because I practically tailed other cars all the way! The simple reason was that my driving experience using the route, though travelled many times, was few and far between. I always believe in travelling at speeds within my control, more so in the presence of others who are older than me.
When driving downhill from the highlands, invariably I would come across vehicles which overtook me at great speed, especially drivers of heavy vehicles who must have thought they were familiar with the road. Who are we to question them?
Cameron Highlands is one of our favourite places for day trips, especially since the opening of the newer Pos Slim-Cameron Highlands road which reduced travelling time from Batu Gajah by half, depending on which part of Cameron we are heading to. The road is also generally more gentle, wider and less winding.
For those unfamiliar with Cameron Highlands: using the new route, it is nearer and quicker to Kg. Raja than say, Brinchang or Tanah Rata. On the other hand, using the old route, you would reach Tanah Rata first, then Brinchang and then Kg. Raja.
For those coming from the south, like Kuala Lumpur, they have a choice of starting the winding journey a few kilometres after exiting at Tapah, or continue on the North-South Expressway and exit at Simpang Pulai to go on the new road. Some people would not mind going further on the NSE to use the less arduous route.
But I must say, using the new route, I miss visiting Bharat Tea Shop which is beside the road and next to their tea plantation:
http://www.cameron-highland-destination.com/highlands-bharat-tea-plantation-shop-tour.html
Using the new route, Boh Plantation is nearer. Despite its more inconvenient location which requires a few kilometres of winding road to reach its factory (open to visitors) and its new cafe, it is worth a visit because it offers a panaromic view of its plantation and beyond: http://www.cameron-highland-destination.com/highlands-bharat-tea-plantation-shop-tour.html
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