Gerik crash: Bus operator to be charged

New Straits Times

20-06-2025

BUTTERWORTH: The Road Transport Department (RTD) is in the final stages of completing investigation papers to prosecute the operator of the bus company involved in the accident that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students in Gerik on June 9.
Its director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said it was preparing two investigation papers, one involving the bus operating company and the other involving the company that leased the bus.
"At the moment, the investigation is in its final phase, and the papers are expected to be handed over to the prosecution soon, likely within a month," he told reporters after the MyLesen B2 Driving Licence handover ceremony at the PICCA Convention Centre here today.
He was responding to a question on whether the RTD would prosecute the owner of the bus company involved in the accident.
When asked whether the investigation was affected by allegations that the operator had suffered a heart attack, Aedy Fadly denied the matter.
He said action against the operator was being taken in accordance with existing regulations, and there was no issue related to health conditions.
"However, if he (the owner) is hospitalised or otherwise indisposed, we will wait before taking further action.
"But for now, we are proceeding with the investigation papers," he added.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke was reported as saying that the RTD would take legal action against the bus company if it was found to have violated regulations or failed to ensure operational safety.
Fifteen UPSI students were killed when the bus they were in collided with a multi-purpose vehicle along Jalan Jeli-Gerik near Tasik Banding, Perak.