A total of 53 buses were caught violating rules and regulations in Ops Serkap conducted at the South Integrated Terminal (TBS) last night.

Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said among offences committed were not having valid permit and not complying with standard operating procedures (SOP).

"Fifty-three buses have been identified and SPAD will take appropriate action as they have gone against the law," he told reporters when met at the SPAD office, at TBS.

During the operation SPAD also monitored touts out to deceive passsengers with the sale of illegal bus tickets.

"We have often reminded passengers to buy tickets from the TBS counters to prevent from being cheated by unscrupulous parties," he said.

In addition, Mohd Azharuddin said SPAD was intensifying its operation nationwide to reduce untoward incidents such as fatal road accidents.

Earlier, an accident involving an express bus at Km 137.3 of the North South Expressway, northbound, near the Pagoh, Johor rest and service area on Dec 24, 14 people were killed while 16 others were injured.

According to preliminary investigations the bus was speeding before it plunged into a ravine and crashed into a concrete barrier of a tunnel at Kampung Jayo.

Ops Serkap which took off on Jan 21 and due to end on Feb 5 is aimed at checking on ticket sales and ensuring that public buses are in good and safe condition throughout the festive public holidays. - BERNAMA