10/06/2025

TUESDAY | JUNE 10, 2025

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Crash sparks call for tougher bus rules

o Safety experts push for mandatory seatbelts, aviation-style data recorders and cameras to monitor driver fatigue and prevent deadly crashes

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Some netizens shared their fear and personal connections to the tragedy. @cxouls said: “I immediately thought of my sibling at Upsi. Thank God he wasn’t on that bus.” @mxrydnl wrote: “It’s so scary to read the news, my sibling just took a bus through Gerik yesterday.” @oohsyera shared: “I was in shock. Just yesterday I sent my sibling off on the Upsi bus from Penang. Then I saw the news ...” Grieving the loss of a close friend, @zasssxdc said: “It shattered me. One of the passengers was a dear high school friend. Ya Allah, never imagined receiving such news. May their soul rest among the righteous.” Others, like @nAkz06, expressed their anxiety over long-distance travel: “I’m on a bus right now too. For those of us far from home, every journey is a silent prayer – to be protected from disaster.” Frequent bus rider @bsgkwn wrote: “As someone who often takes the Upsi bus, sometimes the driver goes so fast. I get scared, it’s hard to sleep. I overthink like crazy.” Concerns are also mounting over the “We had no idea it would be our last meal together,” he said when met at the forensic unit of Gerik Hospital. Wan Muhammad Sham said their mother had alerted the family about the crash at 3.30am, prompting them to rush to Gerik Hospital, only to be confronted with the devastating news. Another Upsi student, Nur Irdina Huri, 22, who survived the crash, recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the impact. A student of early childhood education, she said the bus was descending a hilly stretch when it began to emit a burning In addition, Rozmi called for seatbelts to be mandatory for every passenger, not just those in the front rows. “Bus attendants must ensure all passengers are buckled up before departure. This simple step could greatly reduce injury and death in the event of a crash.” Rozmi also raised concerns about the current state of the Gerik–Jeli East–West Highway, which he described as unsafe and outdated. “Built nearly four decades ago, the highway is still a predominantly single-lane road. “Its narrow and deteriorating surface poses serious risks, especially during peak travel seasons like Hari Raya and Chinese New Year.” He called for the highway to be upgraded into a four-lane dual carriageway and suggested that safety personnel be stationed at critical points during festive periods to manage traffic and respond to emergencies. He also criticised the inconsistent enforcement of roadblocks, saying it only happens during festive seasons, and urged regular enforcement to deter speeding and reckless driving. Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua stressed the need for a complete safety reassessment of the Gerik–Jeli stretch. “The highway is notorious for its sharp

PETALING JAYA: The crash involving Upsi students has plunged the nation into mourning. Hundreds of heartfelt messages poured in across social media platforms, capturing the heartbreak and disbelief of Malaysians from all walks of life. The tragedy, which claimed 15 lives and left many others injured, has sparked urgent calls for improved road safety, clearer late-night travel policies and transparent communication from authorities. On X (formerly Twitter), user @S3th4n4 wrote: “So sad seeing the Upsi bus case. There were packed meals and everything. I hope their families stay strong.” Echoing the grief, @mazxing said: “It’s heartbreaking. There were meals packed by their parents. I can’t imagine the pain of knowing your child is gone.” Another user, @izz_tjdin, added: “ Innalillahiwainnailaihirojiun. May the victims be placed among the righteous. I’m a student too, and this really hit me.” GERIK: “Wan Nur Suhaila cooked mi celup for our entire family last night,” recalled Wan Muhammad Sham Wan Muhammad, 31, choking back tears as he remembered his sister’s final act of love. His sister, Wan Nur Suhaila, 22, a fourth-semester literature student at Upsi, was among 15 people killed in a crash along the East–West Highway in Banun, Gerik, near Tasik Banding, yesterday. “She was the sixth of nine siblings. We were all home for Aidiladha. She didn’t behave any differently and even cooked for us before heading back to Tanjung Malim. PETALING JAYA: The installation of in-cabin cameras to monitor bus drivers’ behaviour in real time should be made mandatory and safety measures strictly enforced, said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia traffic and road safety psychologist Prof Dr Rozmi Ismail. The urgent call comes in the wake of the tragic crash at the Gerik–Jeli East–West Highway, which claimed 15 lives yesterday. Rozmi also recommended installing black box-style recording systems in all heavy vehicles, a technology similar to what is used in the aviation industry. “Given the long hours bus drivers endure on the road, fatigue could be a serious risk factor. “Although we don’t yet know the actual cause of the crash, mechanical failure is often assumed, but without video or data recordings, the driver’s condition or actions right before the crash are rarely known.” Rozmi said in-cabin cameras could help investigators determine if a driver was distracted, chatting on a mobile phone, fatigued, unconscious or otherwise impaired at the time of an incident. “More importantly, knowing that their actions are being monitored might encourage drivers to adopt safer and more responsible driving habits.” Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Injured victims of the crash receiving emergency treatment inside a Civil Defence Force ambulance following the collision along the East-West Highway near Banun, Gerik which claimed the lives of 15 Upsi students. – PIC COURTESY OF FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT

poor road conditions and lack of safety features along the hilly stretch of the Titiwangsa Range. @farishalims urged: “Upsi and other public universities should avoid scheduling night journeys. These accidents often happen late at night. My condolences.” @existentialsoda commented: “A massive loss for the country. Condolences to all affected.” Others called for faster road infrastructure upgrades. @Saaranimohamad demanded: “Have they installed street lights in Gerik yet? I urge them to do so quickly after last month’s incident when a child and an elephant mother were hit by a lorry! They are really slow!” @doctorswag8 added: “It’s not just about lights, we need fluorescent lines and signs. Also, tunnels or bridges should be built to help wildlife cross safely.” @Noranalia191276 suggested: “Installing street lights, even solar-powered ones, would help so it’s not so dark. Sometimes the road is pitch black, and vehicles can easily speed.” smell, swayed uncontrollably and appeared to be speeding downhill. “I wasn’t asleep. It all happened so fast. I escaped through a small hole in the bus, but it was too dark – I couldn’t help my friends who were calling out.” Nur Irdina sustained injuries at her waist and a sprained ankle. Earlier, the Hulu Perak district operations control centre of the Civil Defence Force confirmed that 15 people had died in the crash. The emergency call from Gerik Hospital was received at 1.10am. – Bernama turns, steep inclines and unexpected wildlife crossings. “Its poor design, insufficient lighting and lack of clear signage make it particularly dangerous for large vehicles and chartered buses travelling at night.” Law called for an independent safety audit of the route to examine road geometry, guardrail placement, lighting, speed limits and emergency response readiness. He also highlighted the dangers of overnight travel, noting that long-distance

night trips significantly increase the risk of crashes due to driver fatigue and reduced visibility. “We need stricter rules for chartered buses, including required rest breaks, vehicle inspections and continuous driver monitoring.” Law pointed out that many older buses are still not equipped with seatbelts and urged authorities to make it mandatory for buses to have seatbelts, coupled with public education campaigns and strict enforcement. He also suggested adding reflective signs, crash barriers on dangerous roads, stricter driving tests, alternative routes and continuous public education on road safety.

Tears, tributes, questions flood social media

UPSI STUDENT BUS CRASH DATE : 9 June 2025 VICTIMS : 15 students A Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) student bus collided with an MPV around 1AM after the Aidiladha holidays. The bus was travelling from Jerteh, Terengganu, to Tanjung Malim, Perak. CONTAINER LORRY OVERTURNS DATE : 8 Feb 2025 VICTIMS : Two men in their 30s A container lorry skidded and overturned into a ditch near the Sungai Lebey R&R area. The driver’s leg was trapped and injured, while the attendant was thrown out and sustained head injuries. HEAD-ON COLLISION AT BANJARAN TITIWANGSA DATE : 7 Apr 2024 VICTIMS : Army veteran and his wife died at the scene; a 54 year-old man died the next day A Proton Persona carrying a couple and their three children veered into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a Toyota Innova carrying six passengers from Jeli to Gerik. MAJOR ACCIDENTS AT GERIK–JELI EAST–WEST HIGHWAY (2021 - 2025) A transport company’s operating permit was suspended after cargo allegedly overloaded on one of its trailers fell and struck other vehicles, resulting in the death of a baby. FAMILY KILLED IN COLLISION DATE : 23 July 2022 VICTIM : Family of five killed A Perodua Alza collided with another car near the Titiwangsa Rest Area. All five occupants in the Alza died. OVERLOADED TRAILER INCIDENT DATE : 12 Dec 2022 VICTIM : One baby killed

‘Last meal together before fatal journey’