Johor Mobilises Psychosocial Support For Family Of Three Siblings Killed In Crash

PONTIAN, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The Johor state government will provide psychosocial support to assist the family of three siblings who were killed in an accident in Kampung Parit Haji Siraj, Kayu Ara Pasong, here early this morning.

State Education and Information Committee chairman Dr Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali said the support would also be extended to the community at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Parit Sapran, where the victims were students.

He said the school's guidance and counselling teachers, together with the Pontian District Education Office (PPD) and Johor State Education Department (JPNJ), would provide emotional support and appropriate interventions to those affected.

"We believe that apart from the parents and family, the friends, teachers and the community of this school will also be emotionally affected.The sessions will be implemented as soon as the school session resumes," he told Bernama at the victims' residence in Kampung Parit Siraj here today.

At the same time, Muhammad Naqib said all parties should respect the family's privacy and be mindful of their sensitivities by avoiding any speculation, accusations or the spreading of unverified information.

He also urged the community to remain alert to official announcements from the authorities, including directives on the closure of educational institutions, and to take precautionary measures.

In the incident, three siblings aged eight, 11 and 18 were killed after the Honda motorcycle they were travelling on collided with a Hino lorry on Jalan Kampung Parit Haji Siraj, Kayu Ara Pasong, at about 7.20 am.

Pontian police chief Supt Hadzrat Hussein Mion Hussain said the motorcycle, ridden by the 18-year-old alongside his two younger siblings, was travelling from Jalan Parit Haji Omar towards Kayu Ara Pasong when it collided with the lorry coming from the opposite direction. 

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead while receiving treatment at Pontian Hospital, while the two pillion riders died at the scene.

He said the 69-year-old lorry driver suffered injuries to his hands and both knees and had received treatment. The vehicles were impounded and the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

-- BERNAMA