PM Mourns Loss, Directs Aid For UPSI Students In Bus-MPV crash

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, conveyed their profound sadness in an official statement following the tragic road accident that occurred on the Gerik-Jeli highway early this morning.

The deadly collision, involving a chartered bus and an MPV claimed the lives of at least 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims. We pray that you will be granted strength and resilience in facing this immense hardship,” Anwar said in a Facebook post.

In addition, the Prime Minister has directed the Ministry of Higher Education to provide appropriate aid to the families affected by the tragedy.


“Heartbreaking tragedies like this, which occur far too often, must serve as a reminder to us all to always remain cautious and never rush to reach our destinations. Your lives are far too precious,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Higher Education Ministry has pledged to provide comprehensive assistance to all victims and families of UPSI students involved in the early morning bus tragedy.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, expressed heartfelt grief over the tragedy which he views as a major blow to national education.

Zambry stated that the ministry is now working closely with UPSI's administration and appropriate organisations to coordinate all sorts of assistance, including psychosocial support, logistics, and other welfare requirements.

"The ministry is also closely monitoring the condition of those still receiving treatment and will ensure they are provided with the appropriate care and support," he said, adding that any further developments regarding the incident will be announced from time to time.

The bus, transporting 42 UPSI students back to their Tanjung Malim campus from Jerteh, Terengganu, overturned after colliding with an MPV near Tasik Banding early Monday morning. UPSI confirmed the student count, noting that while 44 were scheduled to travel, two did not board the bus.