Bus crash site among key highway sections set for upgrades, says Nanta
PETALING JAYA : The site of the accident that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students yesterday has been identified as one of the key sections of the East-West Highway slated for upgrading, says works minister Alexander Nanta Linggi.
In a Facebook post, he said RM55 million had been allocated for road improvements this year, and various initiatives had been undertaken since 2023 to enhance the Gerik-Jeli route, particularly along the FT04 federal road.
Nanta said an allocation of RM30 million was approved in June 2023 for the reconstruction of sections of the highway.
Two months later, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional RM30 million to further upgrade the route.
'This allocation has been utilised to upgrade and maintain several critical sections of FT04,' he said.
Nanta said ongoing works include road resurfacing and the repair of facilities, bridges, street lights and traffic lights along both directions of the route.
He said all upgrading work on FT04 was completed in phases between July and August 2023, with a total cost of RM55.73 million.
Nanta said RM7.2 million was allocated last year for various repair works at several other sections of the route.
He said while the police investigation into the accident early yesterday morning was still ongoing, he had received various feedback on road conditions.
'As I have emphasised before, the ministry remains fully committed to ensuring road infrastructure is safe and comfortable for all users.
'At the same time, I must stress that road safety is a shared responsibility, including that of road users themselves,' he said.
A total of 48 victims were involved in the bus accident on the Gerik-Jeli East West Highway yesterday, comprising 42 students, the bus driver and his assistant, and a married couple along with their six-year-old daughter and three-year-old son, who were in a Perodua Alza the bus collided with.
Thirteen of the UPSI students died at the scene and two at the hospital. Four people were injured.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
10 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Man claims trial to robbing Melaka convenience store with butcher knife
MELAKA, Aug 5 — A man pleaded not guilty at the Ayer Keroh Sessions Court here today to a charge of committing armed robbery at a convenience store here last month. Amirul Hamry Hambalyi Azahari, 27, was charged with robbing the convenience store of RM202.80 in cash, three boxes of branded cigarettes and a price scanner when armed with a butcher knife. The offence was allegedly committed at the 7-Eleven premises at Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho 2, Central Melaka, at about 3am on July 29. The charge, framed under Section 392 of the Penal Code and read together with Section 397 of the same law, provides imprisonment of up to 20 years and whipping if found guilty. Judge Haderiah Siri allowed Amirul Hamry Hambalyi bail of RM9,000 and also ordered him to report to a nearby police station every two weeks, as well as surrender his passport to the court. She set September 2 for mention for the submission of documents and the appointment of a lawyer. The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhamad Ehsan Nasarudin, while the accused was unrepresented. — Bernama
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
‘Cheap entertainment': MCMC probes video of youths giving bones to homeless man
CYBERJAYA, Aug 5 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched an investigation into a video widely shared on social media that shows a group of individuals handing leftover food to a homeless man. In a press statement, MCMC said the probe was initiated following public complaints that the content was exploitative and demeaned the dignity of marginalised individuals. 'MCMC views seriously the act of producing and spreading content that exploits marginalised groups purely for cheap entertainment, generating views, and causing public unease,' the commission said. The regulator added that the investigation is being carried out under existing laws, and that firm action will be taken against any parties found guilty. It also reminded the public not to upload or share provocative content that could disrupt public order, warning that the dissemination of offensive, false or threatening material could result in a fine of up to RM500,000, a maximum of two years' imprisonment, or both. 'MCMC remains committed and firm in ensuring that cyberspace is not misused,' it said. A video circulated online recently showed three young men placing chicken bones in a rice packet and handing it to a homeless man, before later feeding actual chicken to a dog. The trio have since posted multiple apology videos, claiming the clip was scripted and that the man was later given a full meal off-camera.
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Abandoned at Kelantan bus stop: Baby boy found wrapped in ‘kain pelikat' in Pasir Puteh
KOTA BHARU, Aug 5 — A baby boy was found abandoned, wrapped in a kain pelikat (sarong), at a bus stop located on Jalan Lama Kulim heading towards the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) in Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh, at about 1pm yesterday. Pasir Puteh police chief Supt Zaizul Rizal Zakaria said the baby was placed on the ground at the bus stop. 'The baby has been sent to Tengku Anis Hospital for examination and treatment,' he said in a statement yesterday, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code for abandonment of a child. Those with information regarding the incident are urged to contact the Pasir Puteh police headquarters hotline at 09-7862005 or go directly to the headquarters. — Bernama
