KUALA LUMPUR: The tragic bus crash that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students and a bus attendant has led to widespread grief and outrage online as Malaysian social media users are demanding immediate reforms to prevent similar incidents.
Many called for better vetting of commercial vehicle drivers, stricter enforcement, and clearer safety policies, especially concerning night travel for students.
Prakash Periah emphasised the importance of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) conducting proper assessments of commercial drivers.
“These evaluations are essential to ensure drivers have the physical, mental, and psychological fitness to operate their vehicles safely, thereby protecting all road users,” he said.
Former educator Segaran Nair recalled past Education Ministry directives banning night travel for school-related activities and questioned whether similar rules apply to institutions of higher learning.
“This tragedy, from what we know, involved students chartering a bus to return to campus, a practice that’s been around for years,” he said.
He added that the physical condition of drivers, often overworked and sleep-deprived, contributes to such incidents.
“This was waiting to happen. Without immediate and firm measures, this will continue, especially with night travel for school-related trips,” he warned.
Sitheravellu Sathasivam echoed the call for accountability and investigation.
“This horrific accident happened despite JPJ’s warnings and safety measures. The bus company and drivers must be held accountable. An independent investigation is needed to uncover the real cause of this tragedy.”
Jackie Chew stressed the importance of enforcing basic safety rules.
“Seat belts can make the difference between life and death,” said Chew, urging authorities to ensure passengers wear them throughout the journey.
Tunku Sherie questioned how such tragedies still occur and urged regular driver screening.
“All commercial bus, lorry, and trailer drivers must undergo quarterly vetting by JPJ to ensure they are physically, mentally, and psychologically fit to be responsible for others’ lives,” she said.
Another social media user, Nazirah Zaini, who passed by the accident site shortly after it occurred, shared her emotional reaction.
“It was heartbreaking. Their friends who survived saw the bodies of their companions laid out right in front of them. Just moments earlier, they were laughing and joking. In a blink, everything changed. My condolences to the families.”
Ahmad Sanusi expressed sorrow while calling for infrastructure upgrades.
“It is time the government upgraded the Kota Bharu–Kuala Kangsar road to a four-lane highway. Many main roads in the East Coast are still outdated. This is a matter of national priority and safety,” he said.
UPSI confirmed that 42 of its students were on board the bus involved in a fatal collision along the East-West Highway in Banun, Gerik, Perak, at about 1.10am on Monday (June 9).
The university’s Corporate Communication Division said that although 44 students were originally scheduled to travel, two did not board the bus.
A preliminary report has been received, and UPSI has assured that follow-up action is being taken. An operations room has also been activated to assist families.
Gerik Hospital is currently treating the injured, with seven students in critical condition (red zone), 20 in semi-critical condition (yellow zone), and six in stable condition (green zone).
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Kadir expressed their condolences to the victims' families and assured them of government assistance.
UPSI Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff also conveyed the university’s grief and support for the affected families.
