12 Jan
School bus drivers could be next to undergo specialist driver training as the Ministry of Education is in talks with Megamas Training Company Sdn Bhd (Megamas) to improve safety.
In a telephone interview with The Brunei Times, Mohd Roger Ainsworth, general manager of Megamas Training Company, explained that the two parties are looking at the possibility of a driving course for school bus drivers, similar to the training currently being delivered to driving instructors in Brunei.
“It is a possibility and in the pipeline,” said Mohd Roger, adding that the matter was still up for further discussion with the Ministry of Education.
One of the challenges for Megamas is the timing and scheduling of the initiative. With the school buses in operation for the most part of a year, it leaves only a small window of opportunity in providing the training for their drivers.
“We can only do it when the school holidays are taking place,” said the general manager.
The Kuala Belait-based training company, who is currently providing the training for driving school instructors for the Ministry of Communications, is looking at developing a slightly different two-day course for the school bus drivers.
The training being provided to driving schools is a comprehensive five-day training that includes modules aimed at enhancing the delivery of instruction to driving students.
While this would not be required for school bus drivers, the course could include the same defensive driving component that has become a health and safety requirement for companies in the oil and gas industry.
The Brunei Times
IZAM SAID YA’AKUB
Wednesday, January 12, 2011