Fatal bus crash in Malaysia: Transport Minister warns driver to stop making unverified claims
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Fifteen university students died in an accident on the East-West Highway near Gerik, Perak, on June 9, 2025.
PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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GERIK, Perak - Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke has warned the bus driver involved in the fatal June 9 highway crash in Gerik, Perak,
The minister said the claim by the driver that the brake system of the bus had stopped working was not yet proven via a technical test by Malaysia’s national vehicle inspection company Puspakom.
“I am not sure whether the claim was made to protect himself or not (but) it cannot be taken at face value,” Mr Loke said in a press conference after visiting the crash site and checking on the bus at the Gerik police headquarters on June 12.
“I want to warn the driver not to simply say things that may not be true, because it can be proven via mechanical tests.
“Puspakom has already conducted a check on the brake system of the bus, with the report expected to be out in one or two days,” he added.
Mr Loke also reminded all public transport operators to perform their own inspections and safety audits (Jisa) before the Road Transport Department (JPJ) comes knocking.
According to the Transport Minister, Jisa, which is different from the mandatory six-month vehicle inspection, is meant to enhance the safety aspect of a vehicle.
The bus carrying the students was travelling from Jerteh, Terengganu, and is believed to have lost control before colliding with the rear of a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).
PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
“(Jisa) is not something new to them. They know about it, but compliance is weak,” he said.
Mr Loke also said enforcement on Jisa would be beefed up.
“We will have a large-scale Jisa inspection on all public transport operators, including buses and lorries,” he said.
In the tragic incident on June 9, 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students died and seven were seriously injured after the bus they were in overturned in an accident at 1.15am.
The bus carrying the students was travelling from Jerteh, Terengganu, and is believed to have lost control before colliding with the rear of a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).
A total of 48 people were involved in the crash – 42 students, four people who were in the MPV, a bus driver and an attendant.
Thirteen students died at the scene, while another two died at the hospital, the authorities said.
Thirty-three people had injuries such as broken arms and legs and minor wounds. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
