All buses registered from January 1, 2026 onwards will require additional certification, dubbed Internal Work Sheet or IWS(e), for proof that additional electrical wiring work on the vehicle complies with Energy Commission (ST) standards.
The new requirement is made in response to the death of an 18-year-old teenager in Butterworth last year, who was fatally electrocuted while charging his phone through a socket on an express bus.
An investigation by a special task force involving the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Puspakom, and ST found that the installation of alternating current (AC) wiring on the bus was done without supervision from a qualified technician.
Announced at a press conference on Wednesday by JPJ director general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, the new documentation will be proof that the additional electrical works (on top of the original factory-fitted wiring) complies with the latest technical specifications from ST.
These additional electrical wiring could include the installation of power sockets, water heaters, or entertainment system, all of which require alternating current (AC) exceeding 50V through the use of an inverter.
The IWS(e) includes three key aspects: general inspection of installation quality, safety checks for grounding and protection systems, and functional tests to ensure everything works properly.
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“The preparation of the document can only be done by an electrician registered with JPJ, and the person must have a minimum qualification of PW2, an Energy Commission certification for single-phase wiring and testing work competency,” said Datuk Aedy, who added that any additional wiring work must also be performed only in workshops registered with JPJ.
The IWS(e) document will be required when buses – including locally-assembled models – are sent for scheduled inspections at Puspakom, beginning next year. Vehicles registered before Jan 1, 2026, will be given a grace period of one year (to Jan 1, 2027) to enable owners and operators to furnish the IWS(e) documentation.
“This is a significant technical enhancement for the country’s automotive sector, and all coach builders are advised to comply as soon as possible, without even needing to wait for the deadline. We urge vehicle owners and the industry to extend their cooperation for an overall safer environment for all,” he said, adding that engagement sessions will be held soon with industry players.
