PM offers condolences, directs aid for UPSI students in bus-MPV crash
PETALING JAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has conveyed his condolences to the families of those who died in a crash involving an MPV and a bus carrying students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris early this morning.
'Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims. We pray that you will be granted strength and resilience in facing this immense hardship,' Anwar said in a Facebook post.
The prime minister also said he had instructed the higher education ministry to channel assistance to the families of the students involved.
'Heartbreaking tragedies like this, which occur far too often, must serve as a reminder to us all to always remain cautious and never rush to reach our destinations. Your lives are far too precious,' he said.
Higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said in a Facebook post that the ministry was ready to give the necessary assistance. He said further updates would be provided in due course.
Bernama reported that at least 15 people were killed in the collision which took place on the Gerik-Jeli East West Highway, near Tasik Banding.
It is understood that the bus had been travelling from Jerteh, Terengganu, to Tanjung Malim, Perak.
A total of 48 victims were involved. Of these, 13 died at the scene and two at the hospital. Four others were injured.
UPSI deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Norkhalid Salimin said most of the passengers on the bus were students returning to campus after the Aidiladha break.
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal called for a comprehensive investigation into the crash, including the drivers' qualifications, the condition of the vehicles, and their maintenance records.
'If negligence is found, action must be taken without compromise. Enough is enough.
'We cannot allow tragedy after tragedy to pass without learning from them. Their lives must not be reduced to mere statistics,' he said in a Facebook post.
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