Zambry: SOPs for student-hired buses to be reviewed after fatal crash
IPOH: Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for student-hired buses and safety protocols will be reviewed following the tragic crash that claimed 15 lives early this morning.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the government would entrust the relevant ministries with conducting a comprehensive investigation to ensure that safety guidelines were upheld and such incidents are not repeated.
"At this point, there is no need to discuss the details. I have spoken to Transport Minister Anthony Loke this morning.
"We will leave it to his ministry to conduct a thorough investigation. It is too early for any speculation.
"In this moment of sorrow, let us all pray for the swift recovery of the injured. For those who have passed, may they be placed among the righteous," he told reporters at the Forensic Unit of Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital here today.
Zambry said the Higher Education, Education, and Health ministries were working in close coordination to provide immediate aid to victims and their families.
"Immediate steps have been taken. We have arranged all essential support, including hearses to transport the remains to their respective hometowns.
"Financial assistance has also been extended, including RM2,000 from the Higher Education Ministry and RM1,000 from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) to assist with funeral arrangements.
"Additional support, such as burial aid, insurance coverage, zakat contributions, and accident compensation, will also be managed by UPSI," he said.
Zambry described the situation as heartbreaking, especially as the nation had lost individuals who held immense potential.
"We hope that all families involved will remain strong and composed in facing this profound loss.
"The Health Ministry will continue to update us on the condition of the injured victims and their recovery," he added.
Zambry also conveyed his deepest condolences to all affected families, saying that detailed investigations would continue throughout the day to ensure all angles were considered.
He called on the public to give the authorities the space and time needed to complete their work, and to stand in solidarity with the grieving families during this difficult time.
Earlier, it was reported that the bus involved in the accident — which carried UPSI students — was not chartered by the university.
UPSI vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff confirmed that the students were returning to campus in Tanjung Malim from their hometown in Terengganu after the Hari Raya Aidiladha break.
"The bus was privately hired by the students. It was not an official university vehicle, nor was it operated under UPSI's management," he said.
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