KPT, UPSI provide immediate aid to families of Gerik bus crash victims
IPOH: The Higher Education Ministry (KPT) will provide an initial aid of RM2,000 and disaster relief of RM1,000 to the families of victims involved in the tragic bus accident that claimed 15 lives at KM53, East-West Highway (JRTB) near Gerik early this morning.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the initial aid is to ease the burden of the families, including funeral arrangements for the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students who died in the incident.
'UPSI has announced immediate assistance, including RM2,000 from KPT for each victim's family to manage funeral arrangements, while UPSI will provide RM1,000,' he said.
'Additional support, including funeral assistance, insurance coverage, zakat aid, accident relief and accommodation for families, has also been arranged,' he told a media conference at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) here today.
Also present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and UPSI vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff.
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Sombre atmosphere at hospital as families mourn bus accident victims
IPOH: A sombre atmosphere enveloped the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital mortuary as family members gathered to mourn those who perished in the tragic accident on the East-West Highway. With each passing truck bringing the remains of their loved ones, cries and wails were heard as some family members sobbed uncontrollably. Media personnel were not allowed within the mortuary compound and could only witness the scene from a distance. Fourteen Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students and one bus attendant were killed in the accident on the East-West Highway in Banun, Gerik, on Monday (June 9) at about 1am. The bus carrying 42 students overturned while another car with four occupants veered into a ditch. Mohd Alif Nasnawi, 21, said he had tried to contact two friends who were on the bus since early morning. The agricultural science students said his friends, Muhd Adib Hazim Halim and Norayuni Maslan, both 21 and from Terengganu, were supposed to arrive at their campus at about 5am. "After hearing about the accident, I tried calling their mobile phones numerous times, but there was no answer. I was anxious, and my heart broke when I heard the devastating news that they didn't make it," he said. "I last spoke to Adib on Friday. I had asked him about buying a shirt for one of our courses. He's usually quiet, only speaking when necessary," he added. Alif said it is common for university students, especially those from Kelantan and Terengganu, to charter buses when returning to campus. "It's normal, especially after holidays," he added. When met by reporters, Saarani said support would be available for the affected families. "I believe this tragedy will leave a lasting impact on them," he said. UPSI has counselling services available, and I hope they find some comfort and strength in accepting this as part of Allah's will," he added. Saarani also said that the state government would allocate RM1,000 to each affected family. "The financial aid is small, but we hope it helps cover basic needs, such as accommodation, food, or other expenses. "We know not every family is financially well-off, and this is the least we can do to ease their burden," he said, thanking the police for ensuring the victims' remains would be returned to their respective homes. "That's all from me," he said quietly, his voice heavy with emotion.
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Gerik bus crash: State to give RM1,000 aid to victims' families, says Perak MB
IPOH: Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad was fighting back tears after visiting the families of the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students who perished in an accident in Gerik on Monday (June 9) morning. Speaking to reporters at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital mortuary, Saarani was visibly upset over the incident. "On behalf of the state, we extend our condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. May the souls of the departed be showered with Allah's mercy and placed among the righteous," he said. A total of 14 UPSI students and one bus attendant were killed in the 9am accident along the East-West Highway in Banun, Gerik. The bus, which was carrying 42 students, overturned while another car, carrying four people, veered into a ditch. Saarani also offered prayers for those injured in the crash and being treated in hospitals. "To the students and others still receiving treatment, whether in critical condition or not, we pray for their full and swift recovery so they may continue their studies at UPSI," he said. Acknowledging the emotional toll on the families, Saarani assured that support was available for them. "I believe this tragedy will leave a lasting impact on the families. UPSI has counselling services available and I hope they find some comfort and strength in accepting this as part of Allah's will," he added. Saarani said the state government would allocate RM1,000 to each of the affected families. "The financial aid is small, but we hope it helps cover basic needs, such as accommodation for the family, food, or other expenses. We know not every family is financially well-off and this is the least we can do to ease their burden," he said, while thanking the police for pledging to ensure the remains of the victims are brought back to their respective homes.
