Teenager electrocuted while charging phone on bus in Penang – MOT launches task force to investigate

The ministry of transport (MOT) has ordered the land public transport agency (APAD) to immediately suspend the operations of a bus linked to a fatal electrocution of an 18-year-old in Penang on November 1, 2024, Bernama reports.

Transport minister Anthony Loke also revealed that a special task force involving the road transport department (JPJ), SPAD and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has also been set up to investigate the cause of the incident.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Loke said, “the ministry of transport treats this electric shock incident, which tragically resulted in the death of a teenager while he was charging his phone on the express bus, with utmost seriousness.”

“The task force has been set up to investigate the cause of the incident to prevent such future occurrences and ensure passenger safety. I extend my deepest condolences to the boy’s family,” he added. On Friday, it was reported that the teenage boy died due to being electrocuted while attempting to charge his mobile phone using a power socket on an express bus at Penang Sentral.

Seberang Perai Utara District police chief ACP Anuar Abd Rahman said that the victim was found dead at 6.10pm, with preliminary examination revealing burn marks on his left fingers. A post-mortem confirmed that the teenager had died from an electric shock. The end of the cable used by the victim was also melted and the phone involved was also hot.

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