Gerik crash: Respect grieving families, Fahmi tells social media users

New Straits Times

10-06-2025

SINTOK: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has warned content creators to be mindful and respectful when producing material related to tragedies, especially in the aftermath of the recent bus crash in Gerik that claimed 15 lives.
He said certain remarks and content circulating online could hurt the feelings of victims' families and urged the public to give them space and privacy.
"I've seen some of the content shared… we must observe decorum and exercise restraint. There was one video, I'm not sure how appropriate it was, where someone went to the accident site and recorded content from inside the bus," he said during a press conference after his keynote address at the Unraveling the Dynamics of Media Freedom in the Digital Era forum in Universiti Utara Malaysia today.
Fahmi stressed the importance of empathy and sensitivity, particularly when dealing with content that involves the loss of life.
"Although the message conveyed was one of condolence, we must remember that it is still an active investigation site. We must be cautious when producing such content," he said.
He also said the cabinet is expected to discuss the tragedy during upcoming meetings.
"We are awaiting a full report from the authorities. Based on that, we will determine what follow-up actions are necessary, particularly in terms of enforcement.
"A media briefing will be held afterwards."
In the incident, 15 university students were killed , while several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at Gerik Hospital.
The bus was travelling from Jerteh, Terengganu, to Tanjung Malim, Perak.