IPOH: The driver of the chartered bus that crashed in Gerik on Monday (June 9), causing the deaths of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students, reportedly did not slow down despite repeated pleas from his passengers.
Lili Suzana Mat Yaakob, 23, who was injured in the accident, told this to Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad who visited her at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun here on Tuesday (June 10).
Noraini said Lili Suzana shared that she had been asleep when her friend woke her, warning that the bus driver was speeding.
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“Despite repeated pleas from Lili Suzana and other passengers to slow down, the driver allegedly continued at high speed.
“Of course, she is traumatised. Anyone would be, especially in an accident where the vehicle overturned.
"That is why we are offering counselling services,” Noraini told reporters after the visit.
She said another injured student, Nor Erika Elysha Mohd Zaidi, was in a semi-conscious state because of medication.
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“Both students are stable but still require further treatment.
“Lili Suzana was concerned for her (varsity-mates) and urged them to remain strong.
“We advised her not to worry too much because UPSI, the hospital, and the Social Welfare Department are providing support and assistance,” she added.
Noraini said the ministry has extended counselling and welfare support to the university students and their families.
She said in addition to psychological support, the ministry has channelled donations through the Social Welfare Department and National Welfare Foundation.
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She added that the department's officers would continue visiting students and their families to assess their needs and offer help.
“The department's Terengganu director (will be) contacting the families of other affected students.
“We hope they will recover quickly and regain the motivation to continue their studies. We pray for their full recovery,” she said.
Asked about the driver and passengers of the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) involved in the crash, Noraini said department officers would visit them at Hospital Baling in Kedah, where they are receiving treatment.
“If there is a need, we will provide the necessary assistance,” she added.
Between 12.30am and 1am on Monday, the chartered bus travelling from Jertih to Tanjung Malim overturned after colliding with the MPV on the East-West Highway near Gerik.
The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver, his assistant, and the driver and three passengers of the MPV.
