Latest news with #KenariUtara


New Straits Times
21 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Brake failure likely caused Gerik crash, says bus operator
KOTA BARU: Brake failure and a technical fault may have caused the crash that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students near Tasik Banding, Gerik yesterday, the bus operator claimed. Kenari Utara operations officer Nazri Nawi said this was based on information gathered after speaking with the driver. "This was something that couldn't be avoided. Before the trip, the bus was in good condition as we carried out the scheduled maintenance," he said. Nazri said the crash could have been triggered when the bus's air brake system failed. "When the air system is empty, the brakes, gear and handbrake stop functioning." He dismissed claims that the bus driver was speeding. "I'm confident he was not speeding as claimed online. He is a careful driver and knows the road well. The viral video probably showed the bus going fast because the brakes failed while going downhill on a winding road." Nazri extended his condolences to the victims and their families, saying the company was deeply saddened by the incident. Police earlier said the bus crashed after rear-ending a Perodua Alza before overturning.


Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Bus in Gerik crash newly serviced, had no issues, says firm
A total of 15 UPSI students on board the bus died in the crash that occurred on the Gerik-Jeli East West Highway, near Tasik Banding. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The bus involved in this morning's accident that killed 15 university students was recently serviced and the driver has a good track record, says the firm that operated the bus. Kenari Utara Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd said the bus, which was serviced last month, had no issues and was always sent in for service on schedule. Kenari Utara operations officer Nazri Nawi said the driver, who was loaned by another company, was known to be a responsible driver well-versed with the Gerik-Jeli route, Berita Harian reported. 'What has happened is very sad. I'm not saddened by the damage sustained by the bus, but the deaths and injuries to the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students on board,' he said. The accident took place on the Gerik-Jeli East West Highway, near Tasik Banding. It is understood that the bus was on the way from Jerteh, Terengganu, to Tanjung Malim, Perak. A total of 48 victims were involved: 42 students, the bus driver and his assistant, and a married couple along with their six-year-old daughter and three-year-old son, who were in a Perodua Alza the bus collided with. Thirteen UPSI students died at the scene and two at the hospital. Police are forming a special task force, joined by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, road transport department, Land Public Transport Agency and other relevant agencies to investigate the crash.


New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Gerik crash: Bus was in good condition, says operator
KOTA BARU: Kenari Utara, the bus company involved in the fatal crash that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students, said its vehicle was in good condition. Its operations officer, Nazri Nawi, said the bus had been serviced last month and had not experienced any issues. He said the bus driver, who was temporarily brought in from another company, was a responsible person and familiar with the route between Gerik and Jeli. "What happened was very sad. "I wasn't upset about the bus breaking down, but what affected me most was the fact that UPSI students who were on our bus lost their lives and were injured in the incident. "However, what I can say is that our bus is in good condition and has always undergone maintenance according to schedule. "The bus was purchased in 2013 and still has five years left to be used as a tour bus," he said when contacted today. Earlier this morning, 15 people were killed when the bus they were in collided with a multi-purpose vehicle along Jalan Jeli - Grik near Tasik Banding, Perak. The accident involved a UPSI student bus and a Perodua Alza. A total of 33 people were injured. According to a statement from the Civil Defence Force (CDF), the Banun Disaster Operations Control Centre received a distress call concerning the incident, which involved 48 victims, at 1.10am. Several injured victims, including those suffering from broken arms, broken legs, and minor injuries, were rushed to Gerik Hospital. Meanwhile, police have urged those with information on the accident to come forward. investigation into the accident would cover all angles.