MALACCA: A new twist has emerged in the accident involving an express bus that killed 14 passengers and injured 16 others along KM137.2 of the North-South Expressway near Pagoh, Johor, on Dec 24.

Goldstar Express Sdn Bhd, which manages a fleet of express buses, has denied the bus involved in the accident was under the management of the company.

The company’s chief supervisor Steven Chong said one of the company’s directors had withdrawn from the company and, based on mutual agreement, the bus which was involved in the accident was given to him.

“The partner left Goldstar Express and part of the agreement upon separation is that he has the responsibility to service the loan of the ill-fated bus until it is fully settled before ownership is changed to his name,” he told a press conference.

Chong, who said he was authorised by his company directors to speak to the media on behalf of Goldstar Express, said the company owns and manages a fleet of express buses while Alisan Golden Coach is the ticketing agent.

He said the former director had formed a new company and the management of the bus involved in the accident, including ticketing and travel routes, came under the new company.