13/06/2025

FRIDAY | JUNE 13, 2025

3

Task force reveals shocking findings in FRU crash probe

Yellow journalism in digital age

KUALA LUMPUR: yellow journalism phenomenon that once dominated the media industry in the 19th century is now making a resurgence in the digital era – not on the front page of newspapers, but on smartphone screens through social media platforms. Yellow journalism refers to sensational, biased reporting that exaggerates issues to attract attention and increase sales. It often involves dramatic headlines, controversial content and the excessive use of sensational images, frequently at the expense of journalistic principles such as factual accuracy, balanced reporting and source integrity. Taylor’s University School of Media and Communications’ Doctor of Philosophy Programme director Dr Nur Haniz Mohd Nor said the re emergence of yellow journalism in today’s digital landscape is unsurprising. She noted that commercial pressures and fierce competition on digital platforms are among the key factors driving the rise of sensational content, making elements of yellow journalism increasingly prominent and inseparable from the modern news environment. “News with catchy, provocative or sensational headlines tend to generate higher traffic for news portals and greater engagement on social media.” She expressed concern that this trend is eroding public trust in mainstream media, which now faces a significant challenge in maintaining credibility and influence. Many members of the public, she added, are still unaware of the importance of verifying the information they consume. According to media reports, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission removed 10,493 pieces of fake content circulating on online platforms between January and April 15 this year. – Bernama School ordered to prepare report on offensive post IPOH: The Perak Education Department has instructed a school to prepare a full report concerning one of its teachers, who allegedly posted offensive remarks on social media about the road crash which claimed the lives of 15 Upsi students on the East-West Highway. State education, higher education, youth and sports committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah said initial investigations confirmed that the Facebook account responsible for the insensitive post belonged to a teacher at the school. The Facebook post sparked public outrage, after alleging that the students who died in the crash had “died in disgrace”. It also claimed the victims were not among the faithful, as they had died while still owing debt to the National Higher Education Fund Corporation. The teacher involved, who claims to suffer from schizophrenia, has issued a public apology, and the post has since been deleted. – Bernama The

There were also several human related factors. Although the lorry is suspected to have veered into the wrong lane, the exact cause remains under review. Crash analysis revealed that the lorry left a 4.1m skid mark before overturning and rolling counterclockwise, while the FRU truck also overturned and straddled both lanes. “Driver fatigue, mobile phone usage and delayed reaction time are being explored. Toxicology tests are pending, and investigators are awaiting interviews and critical data including rest logs and device records. “A combination of driver negligence, poor company compliance, weak enforcement and hazardous road design is believed to have intensified the severity of the crash.”

Act 2010. Following an audit by the Road Transport Department (RTD) on May 19, the company met only 15% of safety compliance indicators and failed all seven assessed categories. Its operating licence was revoked on May 29. “The (transport) ministry is calling for tighter regulation, mandatory GPS installation and stricter enforcement to prevent future tragedies,” the report concluded. The task force comprises various experts and representatives from key agencies, and is chaired by the ministry’s chief air accident inspector Brig General Tan Chee Kee. Members include Simpang Renggam MP Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad, Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin, Prof Dr Kulanthayan KC Mani of UPM, independent engineering expert Datuk Foong Choy Chye and representatives from the RTD, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, police and Armed Forces. ensure accountability and protect public safety. “The recommendations, if effectively implemented, could play a crucial role in reducing fatalities and serious injuries in future accidents.” The investigation concluded that although the tipper lorry was mechanically sound, the ‘severe overloading’ significantly amplified the impact of the crash. The absence of proper safety features in the FRU truck was also a contributing factor to the loss of life.

o Preliminary report flags driver error, overloading, hazardous road design and lack of safety restraints in truck

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

The lorry was transporting 40,960kg of gravel, despite being licensed only for coal, exceeding its permitted gross vehicle weight of 24,000kg by 70.67%. Investigators believe the significant overload drastically increased the vehicle’s kinetic energy and impact force, contributing to the severity of the crash. Additionally, the FRU truck was found to lack seat belts for the driver and all passengers. It featured bench-style seating in the rear cargo area, which did not comply with international safety standards.

PETALING JAYA: The special task force, set up on May 15 to probe the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) truck crash, found that the tipper lorry carrying gravel had veered into the opposite lane and collided head-on with the FRU truck, killing nine personnel and seriously injuring nine others. According to a preliminary report released by the Transport Ministry yesterday, both vehicles overturned and had extensive damage.

The fatal crash occurred on May 13 at 8.51am along Jalan Chikus– Sungai Lampam in Teluk Intan, Perak. Findings revealed several alarming factors. New, stricter vehicle safety measures “The absence of proper restraints and compliant seat structures is believed to have contributed to the high number of casualties,” the report stated. The report also said Tashveen Trading, the owner of the lorry, despite holding valid operating permits, failed to install a functioning GPS in the vehicle, a breach of the Land Public Transport

PETALING JAYA: In light of the fatal FRU truck crash, a comprehensive set of recommendations has been proposed to improve vehicle safety and prevent similar incidents in the future. The recommendations, in a report released yesterday, focus on enhancing regulatory enforcement and engineering controls for both commercial heavy vehicles and government-owned vehicles. “For heavy commercial vehicles, it is proposed that all trucks display mandatory load-specific signage, such as ‘Carries Coal Only’, to facilitate easier identification and enforcement by authorities. “Maximum load limits must be clearly marked within cargo compartments to control volume and prevent overloading,” the report stated. It is also recommended that an integrated data system among key agencies, including the Road Transport Department, Public Works Department, Land Public Transport Agency and Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board, be established to enable systematic and effective regulatory enforcement. “Furthermore, vehicle approval standards must be tightened, particularly for trucks carrying special or hazardous cargo.” For government-owned vehicles, especially those not involved in emergency duties, all passenger carrying units must be fitted with seat belts and anchorage systems that comply with current safety standards. The report emphasised that consistent seat belt use by both drivers and passengers must be made mandatory to reduce the risk of ejection during crashes. Seats must also comply with the United Nations safety regulations, such as those that prevent

department or ministry. The report further proposed a review of size standards for commercial vehicle bodies based on cargo volume and density to help minimise overloading. It also called for legislative action to enforce weight compliance at all weigh bridge stations, to prevent overloaded vehicles from entering public roads. “For companies that repeatedly violate the regulations, stricter penalties, such as permit suspension and blacklisting, are proposed to

detachment during collisions and minimise the risk of severe injuries. “Regular safety inspections are also recommended, either through internal audits or by certified inspection centres such as the Computerised Vehicle Licensing Centre or Puspakom.” In addition, all such vehicles must receive prior approval from the Road Transport Department, and their overall management and maintenance should be supervised by qualified automotive engineers or assistant engineers within each

SOMBRE SIGHT ... Transport Minister Anthony Loke and a team of road safety experts examine the wreckage of a chartered bus involved in a fatal crash that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students. The vehicle, en route from Jertih in Terengganu to the university campus in Tanjung Malim in Perak, overturned following a collision with a multi-purpose vehicle on the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway. – BERNAMAPIC