Compiled by GERARD GIMINO, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN
A YEAR has passed since the fatal accident that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students in Gerik, yet the scars remain for those who survived the crash.
Abdul Wafiy Kamaruddin, 24, said that the date – June 9 – will forever be etched in his memory, Utusan Malaysia reported.
“It still feels like the incident just happened. It was not just a dark moment for me but for all Malaysians,” he said.
Reflecting on the moments just before the tragedy, he said all the students were in high spirits as they were looking forward to returning to campus after Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations.
According to Abdul Wafiy, the first thing he saw after gaining consciousness following the crash was the bodies of his friends and their cries for help.
“I really wanted to help as many students as possible, but when I saw their conditions, I knew there was not much I could do,” he said, adding that he was traumatised over the incident for about three months.
Abdul Wafiy, who was seated at the rear right side of the bus during the incident, said the accident left him fearful of travelling in vehicles.
“Those feelings are still there, but I’m recovering,” he said, expressing gratitude to his loved ones and counsellors for helping survivors through the recovery process.
> Although he is 67-years-old, singer Datuk Amy Search says staying sedentary at home is never an option.
The singer said that he has made it a point to be active in order to stay healthy, Kosmo! reported.
The singer, whose real name is Suhaimi Abdul Rahman, also said he refuses to make age an excuse.
“When some people retire, they want to relax at home.
“For me, I have to break a sweat, be it through cycling, hiking or even playing pickleball,” he said.
He is also undergoing scheduled health checks and looking after his diet, in adhering to his wife’s advice.
“I’ve actually been undergoing scheduled health checks since I turned 50.
“Some people may be afraid of checking as they are fearful of finding out about something, but my advice is to just go through with it. You should not wait until you’re really sick before getting checked,” he said.
> Following waves of criticism towards youth participants of a local reality show programme, one of its alumni has clapped back at critics, saying that the cyberbullying should stop.
Auddra Zulkifly, said that one of the participants targeted was only 13, Kosmo! reported.
“I feel very bad for her as she was among the most criticised. Netizens always talk about ending cyberbullying, but they themselves are doing this to a 13-year-old,” she was quoted as saying.
She also relayed her previous experience on the show.
“I was all over the place previously too, but I managed to win third place. That was due to my manager who had various creative ideas. To the participants, don’t give up. You’re all already doing your best,” she said.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.
