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New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Headlights trigger flashbacks of Gerik bus crash, says Alza driver
SUNGAI PETANI: The sight of headlights behind him at night still triggers haunting memories for Mohd Lutfi Radzi, 37, who is faced with lingering trauma from a horrific accident that claimed 15 lives in Gerik last month. "Whenever I see lights approaching from behind at night, it brings me back to that moment," said the school teacher, who admitted that he remains deeply affected, especially when driving through dark stretches of road. Although emotional scars have gradually faded, Lutfi said the early days following the crash, particularly when his wife and children were still hospitalised, were the most difficult. "The memory is still vivid, but things are slowly improving. We have to keep moving forward as a family. In fact, we will soon travel along the same road again to visit my in-laws in Kemaman, Terengganu," he told reporters after receiving a visit from Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar at his home in Bukit Banyan yesterday. On June 9, Lutfi was behind the wheel of a Perodua Alza multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) when it collided with a bus at KM53 of the East-West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat) in Gerik, Perak. The family was heading home to Baling after celebrating Hari Raya Aidiladha in Kemaman. The crash claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students and left many others injured. Lutfi said his wife, Nurul Ain Zakaria, 36, and their two children, who were also injured in the incident, are now in stable condition but still require rest and should avoid strenuous activity. "As a whole, my family is about 80 per cent healed. My wife, who suffered five broken ribs, can now manage light chores such as sweeping and washing dishes but she takes frequent breaks. "Our eldest daughter, Nur Aisyah Nafisah, 6, who broke her right thigh, can move about but isn't allowed to place weight on the injured leg yet. While our youngest, Muhammad Ahsan Nafis, 2, only sustained minor bruises and scratches," he added. Lutfi said both his wife and daughter are expected to return to school by September, depending on their recovery progress. He also expressed his gratitude to all who have offered support and prayers, especially the education community. "I want to thank the media as well, and apologise for not being able to speak while I was in the hospital. My physical and emotional state back then just didn't allow it. "My heartfelt appreciation also goes to the State Education Department, Baling District Education Office, and fellow teachers from SK Malau and SK Tembak for their moral support and generous contributions," he added.
![[UPDATED] Gerik UPSI crash: Tour bus was travelling at almost twice the speed limit](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FUPSIcrash-180725_NSTfield_image_socialmedia.var_1752823876.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Gerik UPSI crash: Tour bus was travelling at almost twice the speed limit
KUALA LUMPUR: The tour bus involved in the fatal crash in Gerik that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students last month was estimated to have been travelling at 117kph, nearly twice the posted speed limit. According to a preliminary report released today by the Transport Ministry, the speed limit for this route is 60kph. The report stated that dashcam footage and physical evidence at the scene showed the bus skidded before overturning, indicating that the vehicle was moving at a speed that exceeded the critical limit for skidding and likely surpassed the critical speed for overturning as well. "The bus's minimum speed at the time of the incident is estimated to have exceeded 111.3kph, which is the minimum speed at which an overturn could occur given the road's curvature. "From the visual analysis, the estimated average speed of the bus during the incident was 117.6kph. "Margin of error (due to video resolution limitations): ±16.8kph. Therefore, the actual speed range is estimated to be between 111.3kph and 134.4kph," the report said. The report also revealed that a section of the guardrail had penetrated the bus body, causing injuries and fatalities among the passengers. Meanwhile, investigations revealed that seat belts were only installed at the driver's seat, with none provided for the passenger seats or the second driver's seat. "The vehicle was fitted with 44 passenger seats, one second driver's seat, and one main driver's seat. However, one of the seats was dislodged from its original position, although six seats on the left side, as well as the second driver's seat, sustained damage due to the impact of the crash," it said. It added that a visual inspection found the physical components of the steering system to be in good condition. However, the report said the functionality of the steering system could not be tested as the vehicle was not in a suitable condition for dynamic testing. It said the impact had caused several W-beam rails to penetrate the body of the bus, causing severe damage to the bus roof structure and pillars, and severely injuring passengers. "The impact also caused the bus roof to come off and several passengers were thrown out. The collision with the barrier also caused the bus to spin counter-clockwise as it fell to the left," the report said. On June 9, a tour bus carrying 42 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students from Jerteh, Terengganu, to Tanjung Malim, Perak, was involved in a collision with a Perodua Alza multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) along the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik. Fifteen students were killed in the crash. On June 11, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said all permits held by the tour bus company involved in the fatal crash had been revoked with immediate effect following multiple breaches of permit conditions.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
Gerik bus crash: MOT told to define legal subcontracting, end permit abuse
KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry has been advised to issue official guidelines distinguishing legitimate subcontracting from illegal licence leasing to prevent confusion and exploitation in the industry. This was among several recommendations in the preliminary report by the ministry's task force on the fatal tour bus crash in Gerik. "On operational compliance and licensing, it is recommended that the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) enhance enforcement against the unlawful leasing of operating licences. "Amendments to licensing conditions should include integrity declarations and clear identification of the licence holder, vehicle, and driver," the report said. It also proposed introducing a mandatory vehicle body marking system, requiring the permanent and visible display of the operator's licence number on all vehicles for on-ground verification. Authorities were urged to expedite the rollout of an integrated monitoring system for all commercial vehicles, capable of real-time tracking of driving behaviour, speed, location, licence status, and operational compliance. The system should incorporate GPS, geofencing, automatic alerts, performance data analytics, and allow for proactive, integrated information-sharing with enforcement agencies. The report also recommended the development of a unified driver database containing records of discipline, licences, training, and accident history, accessible to relevant agencies and legitimate operators. "On road infrastructure, the design of road dividers at high-risk locations must be reviewed to ensure alignment with current safety guidelines. "Speed limit signs, chevrons and bend warning signs should be installed within clear sight distances, and all faded road markings should be repaired or replaced using high-intensity retro-reflective materials to improve night-time visibility," it said. The installation of Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) cameras at high-risk locations was also suggested to enhance speed compliance. The report further proposed returning enforcement powers for the land public transport industry to Apad, or re-establishing a body such as the Land Public Transport Commission to coordinate integrated licensing and enforcement. It also called for the establishment of a Malaysian Transportation Safety Board as an independent investigative body for all modes of transport. "This would ensure accident investigations are conducted professionally, objectively and consistently, contributing to long-term prevention and holistic improvements in transport safety," it said. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), the report added, should be promoted in operational monitoring to detect risky driving patterns, predict system failures, and prevent incidents through real-time data analysis. On June 9, a tour bus carrying 42 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students from Jerteh, Terengganu, to Tanjung Malim, Perak, collided with a Perodua Alza along the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik. Fifteen students were killed in the crash. revoked with immediate effect following multiple breaches of permit conditions.
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
UPSI student bus crash report now public on MOT website
PUTRAJAYA: The preliminary report by the special task force investigating the fatal road crash involving Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students in Gerik on June 9 is now available on the Ministry of Transport (MOT) website. MOT confirmed the report was presented during the Cabinet meeting earlier today, with approval granted for public release. 'In the interest of transparency in the investigation and for public interest, the Cabinet has agreed that this report be released to the public,' the ministry stated. The report was compiled independently by a task force led by the Chief Air Accident Inspector, supported by technical experts and representatives from relevant agencies. MOT clarified that the findings focus solely on safety aspects and do not interfere with ongoing criminal investigations. According to the ministry, the move reflects its commitment to accountability and continuous improvement of the road safety system. 'MOT hopes the report can serve as the basis for healthy public discussion and collective action towards a safer and more resilient transport system,' it said. In the early morning of June 9, 15 UPSI students were killed when the chartered bus they were travelling in from Jertih, Terengganu to the university's main campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak overturned after colliding with a Perodua Alza on the East-West Highway. The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and assistant, as well as the driver and three passengers of the MPV. - Bernama
Barnama
6 days ago
- Barnama
UPSI Student Bus Crash: Preliminary Report Now Available On MOT Website
PUTRAJAYA, July 18 (Bernama) -- The preliminary report by the special task force on the fatal road crash involving Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students in Gerik on June 9 has been uploaded on the official website of the Ministry of Transport (MOT). MOT said the report was tabled at the Cabinet meeting this morning, which agreed that the preliminary findings be made public. "In the interest of transparency in the investigation and for public interest, the Cabinet has agreed that this report be released to the public," it said in a statement today. It said the report was prepared independently and objectively by the special task force, led by the ministry's Chief Air Accident Inspector, with the involvement of technical experts and representatives from various related agencies. "The focus of the investigation is on safety aspects and does not affect any ongoing criminal investigations being carried out by the authorities," the statement added. According to the ministry, the move reflects its commitment to accountability and continuous improvement of the road safety system. "MOT hopes the report can serve as the basis for healthy public discussion and collective action towards a safer and more resilient transport system," it said. In the early morning of June 9, 15 UPSI students were killed when the chartered bus they were travelling in from Jertih, Terengganu to the university's main campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak overturned after colliding with a Perodua Alza on the East-West Highway. The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and assistant, as well as the driver and three passengers of the MPV.
