Gerik crash: Police urge driver to stay silent as probe continues

New Straits Times

a day ago

IPOH: Police have urged the driver of the bus involved in the recent tragic accident involving Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students to refrain from making any public statements, in order to avoid disrupting the ongoing investigation.
Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said the case was still under active investigation and cautioned that premature statements could fuel unnecessary speculation.
"We are concerned that any comments or explanations he gives could disrupt the investigation — that's the key point," he said.
"It is best for him to wait until the investigation is complete, as otherwise it could lead to further speculation and potentially hinder the process," he told reporters at the Perak Police Contingent Headquarters today.
When asked if the police had personally advised the driver against speaking publicly, Noor Hisam said officers could only offer guidance, as the driver has the right to express himself.
"Our investigating officer is visiting him this morning. We can only advise him, as we cannot compel him.
"He is free to speak — this is a democratic country — but we urge him to be patient and wait until his formal statement is recorded. After that, he can say whatever he wishes, as this case involves many angles."
Noor Hisam said that investigators must consider various factors, including the bus itself, the operators, and road conditions.
"It's highly technical, so it's best to allow the authorities to do their job thoroughly rather than draw early conclusions and speculate," he added.
He also assured that the investigation would be carried out comprehensively and that the findings would be made public once available.
Noor Hisam also said that the bus driver was currently receiving treatment at Taiping Hospital for injuries to his hand, and that no further police action can be taken until he is discharged.
"We leave that to the hospital. The police remain in close contact with medical staff and our investigating officer.
"This morning, for instance, our officer visited Taiping Hospital to check on the driver's condition and seek medical input on when he might be fit for discharge.
"As soon as we receive that information, we will update the media," he said.
Describing the injury, Noor Hisam added: "From what I personally observed in the emergency ward, his arm was injured from the little finger up to the elbow — that's just a layman's view."
It was earlier reported that the bus, carrying 42 UPSI students, was travelling from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's main campus when it collided with a Perodua Alza at KM53 of the East-West Highway.
Thirteen students died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries in hospital.