A government investigation on Friday blamed speeding, bad brakes among the causes of one of Malaysia's worst traffic accidents when a bus crashed in the ravine near a highland resorts in August.

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety said in its report that one of the reasons for the crash was that the bus was travelling beyond the speed limit.

"The physical evidences that gathered and the scientific analysis showed that the bus was being driven over the stipulated speed limit of 50 kph. The statements from the victims also support that the driver was speeding," it said.

The report also blamed the inefficient brakes on the bus' front wheels and failure of the vehicle's retarder to slow down the vehicle.

Other reasons listed include that the Escape Ramp was shielded by the road's geometrical design and there were inaccurate signage for the ramp; the road was too wide, allowing drivers to drive faster; the rubble wall and guardrails along the road were considered improper safety barriers for slope routes; and company in charge of the bus was deemed as having unsatisfactory company policies.

In the August 21 accident, the bus with 50 passengers on board was travelling downhill from Malaysia's famous Genting Highlands resorts when it went off cliff and plunged some 60 meters in the ravine, killing 37.

Earlier media reports have blamed the reckless driving of the driver, who was also killed in the accident.