UPSI bus crash survivors to get OKU card, says Noraini

Free Malaysia Today

18 hours ago

Fifteen people were killed when a chartered bus carrying UPSI students from Jerteh, Terengganu to the Tanjung Malim campus overturned and crashed into the barrier on the side of the road. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : Students who suffered permanent disabilities in the fatal bus crash that occurred on the East-West Highway near Gerik earlier this month will be issued with an OKU (persons with disabilities) card.
This was revealed by deputy women, family and community development minister Noraini Ahmad, who said her ministry is compiling details of the students affected, Bernama reported.
She said the social welfare department (JKM) is assisting the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students who sustained permanent disabilities by processing their applications for the OKU card.
She added that the ministry is also reaching out to those who suffered other long-term injuries in the June 9 incident.
'The exact number of affected students is still being gathered as we are awaiting medical assessments,' the Wanita Umno chief told reporters after a party meeting in Kepala Batas, Penang today.
She said counselling sessions are ongoing for survivors and the families of those who died, including the family in the Perodua Alza involved in the crash, as many remain traumatised.
'Ongoing psychological support is crucial, especially for those grieving the loss of loved ones. I visited the Alza family yesterday and they are still visibly affected,' she said, according to Bernama.
Fifteen people were killed when a chartered bus carrying UPSI students from Jerteh, Terengganu to the Tanjung Malim campus overturned and hit a car with four passengers, before crashing into the barrier on the side of the road.
The accident involved a total of 48 victims, 13 of whom died at the scene and two others at the hospital.
Separately, higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said universities must closely monitor any initiatives taken independently by their students, including the chartering of tour buses to return to their hometowns during the holiday season.
He said such oversight was crucial to prevent any untoward incidents involving students.
'I urge universities to maintain communication and monitor any self-initiated plans by students,' he told reporters after visiting the home of the late Nurly Sahirah Azman, one of the UPSI students who died in the bus crash, in Kampung Gong Pasir, Kerandang, in Jerteh today.
Zambry said the ministry is reviewing various views and suggestions for improvement following the tragic incident, including proposals to schedule student travel during the day instead of at night.
'We take note of all the concerns raised, especially on social media, to prevent any untoward incidents,' he said.