Headlights trigger flashbacks of Gerik bus crash, says Alza driver

New Straits Times

6 days ago

SUNGAI PETANI: The sight of headlights behind him at night still triggers haunting memories for Mohd Lutfi Radzi, 37, who is faced with lingering trauma from a horrific accident that claimed 15 lives in Gerik last month.
"Whenever I see lights approaching from behind at night, it brings me back to that moment," said the school teacher, who admitted that he remains deeply affected, especially when driving through dark stretches of road.
Although emotional scars have gradually faded, Lutfi said the early days following the crash, particularly when his wife and children were still hospitalised, were the most difficult.
"The memory is still vivid, but things are slowly improving. We have to keep moving forward as a family. In fact, we will soon travel along the same road again to visit my in-laws in Kemaman, Terengganu," he told reporters after receiving a visit from Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar at his home in Bukit Banyan yesterday.
On June 9, Lutfi was behind the wheel of a Perodua Alza multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) when it collided with a bus at KM53 of the East-West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat) in Gerik, Perak.
The family was heading home to Baling after celebrating Hari Raya Aidiladha in Kemaman.
The crash claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students and left many others injured.
Lutfi said his wife, Nurul Ain Zakaria, 36, and their two children, who were also injured in the incident, are now in stable condition but still require rest and should avoid strenuous activity.
"As a whole, my family is about 80 per cent healed. My wife, who suffered five broken ribs, can now manage light chores such as sweeping and washing dishes but she takes frequent breaks.
"Our eldest daughter, Nur Aisyah Nafisah, 6, who broke her right thigh, can move about but isn't allowed to place weight on the injured leg yet. While our youngest, Muhammad Ahsan Nafis, 2, only sustained minor bruises and scratches," he added.
Lutfi said both his wife and daughter are expected to return to school by September, depending on their recovery progress.
He also expressed his gratitude to all who have offered support and prayers, especially the education community.
"I want to thank the media as well, and apologise for not being able to speak while I was in the hospital. My physical and emotional state back then just didn't allow it.
"My heartfelt appreciation also goes to the State Education Department, Baling District Education Office, and fellow teachers from SK Malau and SK Tembak for their moral support and generous contributions," he added.