PETALING JAYA: The site of the tragic bus crash that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students is one of the sections along the Gerik-Jeli route slated for repair works, says Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
"I and the Public Works Department are aware of road conditions along FT04, part of the Gerik-Jeli route where the fatal accident involving UPSI students occurred," he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (June 10), to address concerns over road conditions at the accident site.
"The Works Ministry has already initiated several efforts to rehabilitate the Gerik-Jeli route, particularly FT04," he said.
He said in June 2023, the ministry approved an allocation of RM30mil to rebuild part of the FT04 route and another RM30mil was allocated by the Prime Minister in August to upgrade the entire Gerik-Jeli road.
He said road upgrades and maintenance works were carried out at critical sections of FT04, including resurfacing and pavement upgrades, street furniture and signage repairs, bridge maintenance and the restoration of street and traffic lights.
He added work was completed in stages from July to August 2023 at a cost of RM55.73mil.
In 2024, RM7.2mill was allocated for further repairs on other sections of the route.
He said the site where the accident occurred was a key section earmarked for rehabilitation, in 2025 with an allocation of RM55mil.
"While all parties, especially the families of the victims, are still grieving this tragic event, I urge everyone to allow the authorities the necessary space to complete their investigations," he said.
