3 days ago
Parents fraught with fear as students return to campus by bus
KOTA BARU: Kelantan students who returned home for Hari Raya Aidiladha have begun their journey back to campuses nationwide by road, as parents — gripped by fear and anxiety — bid them farewell in the wake of the fatal bus crash in Gerik that claimed 15 lives.
A visit to one of the busiest bus terminals in Lembah Sireh last night saw hundreds of parents accompanying their children as they boarded express buses heading to far away states such as Selangor, Johor and Pahang.
For many, the moment was bittersweet — proud to see their children pursue higher education, but anxious about their safety on the road, especially in light of yesterday's crash at Km53 of the East-West Highway in Gerik, which claimed 15 lives on Monday.
Housewife Siti Fatihah Ismail, 45, from Kota Baru, admitted she felt uneasy about letting her eldest daughter return to Shah Alam after two weeks of family time.
"Over the past few days, we kept talking about the tragic accident in Gerik.
"It's been on my mind constantly," she said, referring to the crash that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students.
"Before the bus departed, I personally spoke to the driver and reminded him to drive carefully.
"I also told my daughter not to sleep too much during the journey and to stay in touch with me through WhatsApp," said Siti Fatihah.
She added that while she understood the importance of education, every departure still came with a mother's worry.
Other parents echoed similar sentiments, expressing hope that their children's journey back to campus would be smooth and safe.
Ismail Abdullah said he and his wife sent their son to the bus terminal as he needed to resume his studies in Pahang.
"My 23-year-old is studying at a college in Kuantan and this year is his final year.
"Before saying goodbye, I told him to take care of himself and always recite the Quran during the journey," said the 56-year-old religious teacher from Kubang Kerian.
Despite their concerns, many said they remained supportive of their children's dreams and are praying for their well-being as they continue their academic journey.
The 15 UPSI students died when a chartered bus from Jertih to Tanjung Malim flipped on its left after rear-ending a Perodua Alza at JRTB near Tasik Banding.
The accident also resulted in 33 others being injured, including the bus driver and conductor, as well as the driver and three passengers of the multi-purpose vehicle.
