Latest news with #UniversitiPendidikanSultanIdris
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
257 accidents, 22 fatalities recorded on Gerik–Jeli highway as of June 2025
KOTA BARU: From January to June this year, 257 accidents involving 442 vehicles were reported along the East-West Highway (JRTB) Gerik-Jeli. According to Gerik police chief Superintendent Abdul Samad Othman, the accidents included eight fatal cases, resulting in 22 deaths. Among the fatalities were 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), who were killed in a horrific accident on June 9. "The number of deaths reflects the total number of victims who died, as fatal accidents often involve more than one casualty. "For example, a fatal bus crash on June 9 alone claimed 15 lives, all of whom were students from UPSI," he said when contacted today. Abdul Samad added that the 442 vehicles involved in the accidents included 287 cars, followed by 55 multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) or vans, 42 motorcycles, 38 pickup trucks, 17 lorries, and three buses. On July 22, Bernama reported that, according to the 2024 traffic census by the Public Works Department, the JRTB route remains at a good level of service, with its current configuration able to accommodate the present traffic volume. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi reportedly said that a total daily traffic volume of 2,409 vehicles was observed on the JRTB route, with heavy vehicles accounting for 751 vehicles, or 31.2 per cent of the total. "The JRTB route is categorised as hilly terrain, with its alignment designed to follow the contours and topography of the Titiwangsa mountain range. "Its geometric design as the two-lane single carriageway has met the required technical and functional standards for its construction," he said. To improve road safety, Public Works Department director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail said the department has implemented a blackspot treatment programme under its Road Safety Infrastructure Upgrade initiative. Since 2018, 16 accident-prone locations along the route have been identified. "The approach is based on the principle of 'Low Cost, High Impact.' If the treatment method applied is appropriate to the type of accident occurring, the accident rate at those blackspot locations can be reduced at relatively low cost," he said.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
257 accidents, 22 fatalities on JRTB highway as of June 2025
Among the victims were 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), who died in a tragic crash on June 9. - Bernama file pic KOTA BHARU: A total of 257 accidents involving 442 vehicles were reported on the East-West Highway (JRTB) Gerik-Jeli from January to June this year, according to Gerik police chief Supt Abdul Samad Othman. The accidents included eight fatal cases, resulting in 22 deaths. Among the victims were 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), who died in a tragic crash on June 9. Abdul Samad explained that fatal accidents often involve multiple casualties, as seen in the June 9 bus crash. The 442 vehicles involved in the accidents comprised 287 cars, 55 multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) or vans, 42 motorcycles, 38 pickup trucks, 17 lorries, and three buses. Despite the high accident rate, the Public Works Department (JKR) maintains that the JRTB route remains at a good service level. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi noted that the highway accommodates 2,409 vehicles daily, with heavy vehicles making up 31.2 per cent of the traffic. JKR director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail highlighted ongoing safety improvements, including a blackspot treatment programme under the Road Safety Infrastructure Upgrade initiative. Since 2018, 16 accident-prone locations have been identified, with mitigation efforts focusing on cost-effective solutions. - Bernama
New Straits Times
7 days 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.
Sinar Daily
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Sinar Daily
East-West Highway in good condition, safe for users
KOTA BHARU - The horrific accident that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students on June 9 has turned the East-West Highway (JRTB) into a focal point for people across the country, with many describing the over 40-year-old highway as one of the most challenging roads they have ever travelled on. The narrow, winding road is often criticised for its many hazards, including the absence of warning signs, faded road markings, poor street lighting and the added danger of wandering wildlife. According to police statistics, 3.14 million road accidents - an average of 1,720 a day - were recorded nationwide over five years from 2019. However, experts have made it clear that road conditions and infrastructure are not entirely to be blamed for crashes. According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, more than 80 percent of road accidents are caused by human behaviour, while infrastructure and road conditions account for only 13 percent. Highlighting the fact that only 13 percent of accidents are due to road and infrastructure conditions, the Works Ministry, via its social media platforms, stressed that it has never neglected the maintenance of roads and infrastructure under its jurisdiction. The ministry said the Public Works Department (JKR) is responsible for maintaining approximately 15,000 kilometres (km) of federal roads all over Peninsular Malaysia. Between 2023 and May 9 this year, the ministry spent a total of RM5.49 billion on the maintenance of federal roads. JRTB STILL SAFE FOR USE In the context of JRTB - which connects Gerik, Perak, in the west to Jeli, Kelantan, in the east - it is part of Federal Route 4 (FT4), with a total length of 292.39 km, covering 61.78 km in Kedah, 114.66 km in Perak and another 115.95 km in Kelantan. According to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, based on the latest traffic census in 2024, the two-lane single carriageway remains at a good level of service, with its current configuration able to accommodate present traffic volume. "Physically, the JRTB is in good condition and safe for use,' he told Bernama in a statement recently, adding the road is classified as hilly terrain, with its alignment designed to follow the contours and topography of the Titiwangsa mountain range. (The minister's statement was in response to questions submitted by Bernama, following two special reports related to JRTB published by the news agency in June.) Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Bernama FILE PIX Nanta said the highway, which was opened to the public on July 1, 1982, observed a daily traffic volume of 2,409 vehicles, including 751 heavy vehicles which make up 31.2 percent. Acknowledging that the high number of heavy vehicles warrants the construction of an overtaking or climbing lane, the minister said in addition to routine, periodic and non-periodic maintenance, JKR - through its appointed concession company - also carries out repairs along FT4 as needed, such as pothole patching, which must be completed within 24 hours once detected or reported. SHORT, LONG-TERM PLANS Taking into account the government's budget constraints and the current financial capacity, Nanta said his ministry has formulated both short- and long-term plans to ensure that maintenance and upgrades of JRTB can be carried out in phases and a high-impact and sustainable manner. He said a special allocation has been set aside under the national budget for upgrading JRTB, with key priorities including road lighting, resurfacing and improvements to safety systems, particularly in high-risk areas. "For the short-term plan in 2025, a total of RM55 million has been allocated for repair works along JRTB and implementation began in April, with completion expected by early November this year. "Of that amount, RM35 million was approved for road resurfacing works at critical locations, while RM14.5 million is allocated for non-pavement works such as the replacement of guardrails, installation of warning signs at dangerous bends, construction of drains and repainting of bridge railings,' he said. He added that RM3.59 million has been allocated for upgrading the lighting system through the installation of solar-powered street lights in dark or high-risk areas, such as sharp bends and zones near residential areas. "Apart from that, RM1 million has been set aside for the implementation of a pavement condition assessment along the entire FT4 section in Perak. "The data gathered from the assessment will serve as the basis for determining the actual extent of damage, the appropriate pavement treatment and the prioritisation of locations requiring repair,' he said. SMART TECHNOLOGY Meanwhile, JKR director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail, in the same statement, said the department has identified 16 accident-prone spots along JRTB since 2018. To address this, JKR has implemented the blackspot treatment programme under its Road Safety Infrastructure Upgrade initiative, based on the principle of low-cost, high-impact. "Under this principle, if the treatment method applied is appropriate for the type of accident occurring, the accident rate at that location (blackspot) can be reduced at a relatively low cost,' he said. Based on analyses, he said, common issues at most of the treated blackspots include dilapidated and insufficient signage; faded road markings; inadequate lighting and delineation at night; limited visibility due to winding road geometry; and damaged road surfaces. To improve monitoring efficiency along FT4, particularly the Baling-Jeli stretch, Roslan said JKR, through its appointed concession company, is employing smart technology specifically developed to support federal road maintenance through digital and automated systems. One of the core smart functions of the application involves the automatic detection of potholes using cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) technology installed on patrol vehicles such as motorcycles or four-wheel drive vehicles. "This system works by capturing images of the road surface during daily patrols, with AI detecting potholes based on irregular patterns, shapes and textures. "Once a pothole is detected, the location of the damage is automatically recorded using GPS and transmitted to the application for verification by patrol officers. "After verification, the system will automatically issue a work order to the patching subcontractor concerned, who will receive complete location details through the app, including images and coordinates, and carry out repairs accordingly,' he said. Roslan added that this method significantly reduces detection and information delivery time compared to the previous manual process. It not only speeds up repair works but also improves data accuracy, reduces reliance on written reports and streamlines the work monitoring system. "The technology reflects a 'digital-first' approach in road maintenance management, in line with the ministry and JKR's objective to expand the use of smart systems and automation in public infrastructure maintenance,' he added. SHARED RESPONSIBILITY Roslan also said that for the long-term plan to upgrade JRTB, the department has submitted a new proposal under the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), with priority given to the most critical sections, specifically the 114.66-km stretch in Gerik, Perak, and 46.5-km section in Jeli, Kelantan. "Proposed scopes include building overtaking or climbing lanes at selected locations, renewing road markings and upgrading culverts,' he said, adding there are also long-term proposals involving comprehensive and high-cost works such as realignment at dangerous bends along the road, upgrading existing road safety facilities, and building wildlife crossings. Meanwhile, Nanta urged the public to support road maintenance initiatives by providing constructive feedback to improve service quality, stressing that safe and quality road infrastructure is a shared responsibility that begins with user awareness and care. "My main advice to the public is to obey speed limits and all road regulations. Heavy vehicles, in particular, are advised to use designated routes as using regular roads can accelerate road surface deterioration. "In addition, users are encouraged to report any road damage or hazard, such as potholes, landslides or damaged signboards, to the authorities so that immediate action can be taken,' he said. - BERNAMA
The Star
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
East-West Highway safe for users, says Works Minister
KOTA BHARU: The horrific accident that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students on June 9 has turned the East-West Highway (JRTB) into a focal point for people across the country. Many have said that the over 40-year-old highway is one of the most challenging roads they have ever travelled on. The narrow, winding road is often criticised for its many hazards, including the absence of warning signs, faded road markings, poor street lighting and the added danger of wandering wildlife. According to police statistics, 3.14 million road accidents - an average of 1,720 a day - were recorded nationwide over five years from 2019. However, experts have made it clear that road conditions and infrastructure are not entirely to be blamed for crashes. According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, more than 80% of road accidents are caused by human behaviour, while infrastructure and road conditions account for only 13 percent. Highlighting the fact that only 13 percent of accidents are due to road and infrastructure conditions, the Works Ministry has said via its social media platforms that it has never neglected the maintenance of roads and infrastructure under its jurisdiction. The ministry said the Public Works Department (JKR) is responsible for maintaining approximately 15,000 kilometres (km) of federal roads all over Peninsular Malaysia. Between 2023 and May 9 this year, the ministry spent a total of RM5.49 billion on the maintenance of federal roads. In the context of JRTB - which connects Gerik, Perak, in the west to Jeli, Kelantan, in the east - it is part of Federal Route 4 (FT4), with a total length of 292.39 km, covering 61.78 km in Kedah, 114.66 km in Perak and another 115.95 km in Kelantan. According to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, based on the latest traffic census in 2024, the two-lane single carriageway remains at a good level of service, with its current configuration able to accommodate present traffic volume. "Physically, the JRTB is in good condition and safe for use,' he told Bernama in a statement recently, adding the road is classified as hilly terrain, with its alignment designed to follow the contours and topography of the Titiwangsa mountain range. The minister's statement was in response to questions submitted by Bernama, following two special reports related to JRTB published by the news agency in June. Nanta said the highway, which was opened to the public on July 1, 1982, observed a daily traffic volume of 2,409 vehicles, including 751 heavy vehicles which make up 31.2%. Acknowledging that the high number of heavy vehicles warrants the construction of an overtaking or climbing lane, the minister said in addition to routine, periodic and non-periodic maintenance, JKR - through its appointed concession company - also carries out repairs along FT4 as needed, such as pothole patching, which must be completed within 24 hours once detected or reported. Taking into account the government's budget constraints and the current financial capacity, Nanta said his ministry has formulated both short- and long-term plans to ensure that maintenance and upgrades of JRTB can be carried out in phases and a high-impact and sustainable manner. He said a special allocation has been set aside under the national budget for upgrading JRTB, with key priorities including road lighting, resurfacing and improvements to safety systems, particularly in high-risk areas. "For the short-term plan in 2025, a total of RM55mil has been allocated for repair works along JRTB, and implementation began in April, with completion expected by early November this year. "Of that amount, RM35mil was approved for road resurfacing works at critical locations, while RM14.5milis allocated for non-pavement works such as the replacement of guardrails, installation of warning signs at dangerous bends, construction of drains and repainting of bridge railings,' he said. He added that RM3.59mil has been allocated for upgrading the lighting system through the installation of solar-powered street lights in dark or high-risk areas, such as sharp bends and zones near residential areas. "Apart from that, RM1mil has been set aside for the implementation of a pavement condition assessment along the entire FT4 section in Perak. "The data gathered from the assessment will serve as the basis for determining the actual extent of damage, the appropriate pavement treatment and the prioritisation of locations requiring repair,' he said. Meanwhile, JKR director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail, in the same statement, said the department has identified 16 accident-prone spots along JRTB since 2018. To address this, JKR has implemented the blackspot treatment programme under its Road Safety Infrastructure Upgrade initiative, based on the principle of low-cost, high-impact. "Under this principle, if the treatment method applied is appropriate for the type of accident occurring, the accident rate at that location (blackspot) can be reduced at a relatively low cost,' he said. Based on analyses, he said, common issues at most of the treated blackspots include dilapidated and insufficient signage; faded road markings; inadequate lighting and delineation at night; limited visibility due to winding road geometry; and damaged road surfaces. To improve monitoring efficiency along FT4, particularly the Baling-Jeli stretch, Roslan said JKR, through its appointed concession company, is employing smart technology specifically developed to support federal road maintenance through digital and automated systems. One of the core smart functions of the application involves the automatic detection of potholes using cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) technology installed on patrol vehicles such as motorcycles or four-wheel drive vehicles. "This system works by capturing images of the road surface during daily patrols, with AI detecting potholes based on irregular patterns, shapes and textures. "Once a pothole is detected, the location of the damage is automatically recorded using GPS and transmitted to the application for verification by patrol officers. "After verification, the system will automatically issue a work order to the patching subcontractor concerned, who will receive complete location details through the app, including images and coordinates, and carry out repairs accordingly,' he said. Roslan added that this method significantly reduces detection and information delivery time compared to the previous manual process. It not only speeds up repair works but also improves data accuracy, reduces reliance on written reports and streamlines the work monitoring system. "The technology reflects a 'digital-first' approach in road maintenance management, in line with the ministry and JKR's objective to expand the use of smart systems and automation in public infrastructure maintenance,' he added. Roslan also said that for the long-term plan to upgrade JRTB, the department has submitted a new proposal under the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), with priority given to the most critical sections, specifically the 114.66-km stretch in Gerik, Perak, and 46.5-km section in Jeli, Kelantan. "Proposed scopes include building overtaking or climbing lanes at selected locations, renewing road markings and upgrading culverts,' he said, adding there are also long-term proposals involving comprehensive and high-cost works such as realignment at dangerous bends along the road, upgrading existing road safety facilities, and building wildlife crossings. Meanwhile, Nanta urged the public to support road maintenance initiatives by providing constructive feedback to improve service quality, stressing that safe and quality road infrastructure is a shared responsibility that begins with user awareness and care. "My main advice to the public is to obey speed limits and all road regulations. Heavy vehicles, in particular, are advised to use designated routes as using regular roads can accelerate road surface deterioration. "In addition, users are encouraged to report any road damage or hazard, such as potholes, landslides or damaged signboards, to the authorities so that immediate action can be taken,' he said. - Bernama -
