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Malaysia Mourns After UPSI Bus Crash Kills 15 In Gerik; Special Probe Team Launched To Uncover Truth
Photo credit: Perak Fire and Rescue Department
Malaysia is once again in mourning after a devastating road crash early Monday morning claimed the lives of 15 people, echoing the heartbreak of last month’s fatal accident involving the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU). This time, the tragedy struck near Tasik Banding in Gerik, Perak, when a bus transporting staff from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) crashed at Kilometer 53 of the East-West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat).
In response to the tragedy, a high-level special technical team has been formed to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The team will not only determine the root causes but also push for swift legal action against the driver, if found responsible.
Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, Director of the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT), emphasized that the team comprises experts and agencies from multiple sectors to ensure a full and thorough investigation.
“This technical task force will look at everything—mechanical issues, road conditions, the bus’s maintenance history, and the driver’s background. We don’t want any stone left unturned,” he said.
The agencies involved include the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), Road Transport Department (JPJ), Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), PUSPAKOM, the Chemistry Department, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Works, the Perak Public Works Department (JKR), and the Police Air Wing (PGU).
The formation of the team also comes as “Ops Lancar”—a nationwide road safety campaign for the festive season—comes to an end. Authorities are now doubling down on their calls for drivers to remain vigilant, especially as many are still making their way home from holiday celebrations.
“We’re also investigating all angles, including the driver’s background—his previous employment, his record, what he was doing in the days leading up to the crash,” Mohd Yusri added.
Investigators believe that with cooperation among agencies and the public, they can fast-track the process and ensure that any legal proceedings that follow are clear and well-supported by evidence.
Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have information, especially witnesses or those with dashcam footage, to come forward to assist in the investigation.
As families grieve and the nation reflects on another preventable tragedy, calls for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement continue to grow louder. For Malaysia, this isn’t just about accountability—it’s about ensuring that such a heartbreaking loss never happens again.
In response to the tragedy, a high-level special technical team has been formed to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The team will not only determine the root causes but also push for swift legal action against the driver, if found responsible.
Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, Director of the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT), emphasized that the team comprises experts and agencies from multiple sectors to ensure a full and thorough investigation.
“This technical task force will look at everything—mechanical issues, road conditions, the bus’s maintenance history, and the driver’s background. We don’t want any stone left unturned,” he said.
The agencies involved include the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), Road Transport Department (JPJ), Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), PUSPAKOM, the Chemistry Department, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Works, the Perak Public Works Department (JKR), and the Police Air Wing (PGU).
The formation of the team also comes as “Ops Lancar”—a nationwide road safety campaign for the festive season—comes to an end. Authorities are now doubling down on their calls for drivers to remain vigilant, especially as many are still making their way home from holiday celebrations.
“We’re also investigating all angles, including the driver’s background—his previous employment, his record, what he was doing in the days leading up to the crash,” Mohd Yusri added.
Investigators believe that with cooperation among agencies and the public, they can fast-track the process and ensure that any legal proceedings that follow are clear and well-supported by evidence.
Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have information, especially witnesses or those with dashcam footage, to come forward to assist in the investigation.
As families grieve and the nation reflects on another preventable tragedy, calls for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement continue to grow louder. For Malaysia, this isn’t just about accountability—it’s about ensuring that such a heartbreaking loss never happens again.
Jun 9, 2025
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