UPSI Student Bus Crash: Preliminary Report Now Available On MOT Website

PUTRAJAYA, July 18 (Bernama) -- The preliminary report by the special task force on the fatal road crash involving Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students in Gerik on June 9 has been uploaded on the official website of the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

MOT said the report was tabled at the Cabinet meeting this morning, which agreed that the preliminary findings be made public.

"In the interest of transparency in the investigation and for public interest, the Cabinet has agreed that this report be released to the public," it said in a statement today.

It said the report was prepared independently and objectively by the special task force, led by the ministry’s Chief Air Accident Inspector, with the involvement of technical experts and representatives from various related agencies.

"The focus of the investigation is on safety aspects and does not affect any ongoing criminal investigations being carried out by the authorities," the statement added.

According to the ministry, the move reflects its commitment to accountability and continuous improvement of the road safety system.

"MOT hopes the report can serve as the basis for healthy public discussion and collective action towards a safer and more resilient transport system," it said.

In the early morning of June 9, 15 UPSI students were killed when the chartered bus they were travelling in from Jertih, Terengganu to the university's main campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak overturned after colliding with a Perodua Alza on the East-West Highway.

The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and assistant, as well as the driver and three passengers of the MPV.

-- BERNAMA