A deadly bus crash in Gerik, Malaysia killed at least 15 and injured 12 earlier this week. The university bus carried 42 students when it collided with a mini van late Monday night. The tragedy, recognised by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, sparked discussions of road safety among experts in the country.
LATE NIGHT COLLISION
On June 9 at 1AM, a bus from the Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) collided with a Perodua Alza on a highway in Tansik Banding, Malaysia. The bus overturned after it crashed into the van, which skidded off-road and into a ditch after the collision.
The collision also caused some passengers to be thrown out of both vehicles. The incident 13 people immediately and grievously injuring 33. Two injured victims eventually passed away in the hospital and seven remain in critical condition.
“The journey was fine until I suddenly smelled something like burnt rubber or brakes,” said a UPSI student. “The bus then sped up and swerved to avoid a car ahead before flipping over.”
The university bus was set to bring its students from Jerteh, Terengganu to the university’s main campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak. It carried 42 UPSI students while the van carried a family of four.
Drivers of both vehicles were injured while the reported deaths were all USPI students. The bus was operated by a main driver and his co-driver, while the van was driven by a father of two. The father has since been discharged from the hospital, while his wife and two children remain confined.
The collision occurred around 1AM local time last Monday. Emergency services arrived at the scene at 2:11AM after responding to a distress call made an hour earlier. Alongside them, police, firefighters and Civil Defence Officers arrived at the scene.
According to reports, some victims were able to escape the decimated bus while some remained trapped in the debris. Firefighters reportedly used a hydraulic cutter to saw the bus’ smashed rear end open to rescue trapped passengers.
The tragedy is Malaysia’s deadliest road accident in more than 10 years.
“HAPPENS ALL TOO OFTEN”
Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his sympathies about the incident in a statement made yesterday. “This heartbreaking disaster, which happens all too often, should serve as a lesson for everyone to always be careful and never rush toward a destination,” he wrote on Facebook. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to all the families of the victims. We pray that you find strength and resilience during this incredibly difficult time.”
The PM has since ordered the country’s Higher Education Ministry to provide aid for the victims and their families. According to Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir, the ministry will provide the affected families with financial support.
Investigations are still underway, as Perak State Police Chief Hisam Nordin said they have yet to determine if the cause is rooted in “human negligence” or “technical issue.”
In terms of action, Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Authority (APAD) issued a show-cause letter to the bus’ operator yesterday. “At the same time, the road transport department (JPJ) is carrying out a safety inspection and audit on the bus and the company involved under the Road Transport Act and Land Public Transport Act,” posted minister Loke Siew Fook.
Siew Fook stated the government will strengthen its road safety policies in response and the appropriate action towards the bus operator will be implemented once investigations are complete. Road safety standards are set to be more stringent, specifically for non-compliant vehicles and irresponsible drivers.
An additional road safety policy is currently under review. This upcoming policy is set to require speed limiters for heavy use vehicles. In its review, the ministry will take careful measures to ensure that these devices cannot be tampered with.
EXPERTS RESPOND
In response to the tragedy, Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA) president, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun said that the bus crash was a “national emergency,” urging institutions to prioritise immediate action, accountability, and road safety.
“This tragedy is a wake-up call,” said the minster in a statement. “We can no longer treat safety as a secondary concern. Every stakeholder, from operators to policymakers, must regard safety as a sacred responsibility that cannot be neglected.”
On behalf of MATA, Khalid Harun said that the association “will intensify its calls to the government for stricter monitoring, regular audits, and mandatory safety training for all licensed transport providers.” MATA is also set to collaborate with the Ministry of Transport on a proposal for a safety initiative.
Malaysia records an average of 18 deaths due to traffic accidents daily. The East West Highway, located near the Thai border, is a site known for many collisions between vehicles and wild animals.
Last year, a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that the leading cause of road deaths in Asia are poor road conditions and poor compliance to safety standards.
The report also stated that there is an apparent lack of financial and institutional support for road safety in the region. The organisation called for governments to place more importance on road safety and suggests that they take urgent action and a “holistic approach.”
The incident may affect public perception of road safety in Malaysia moving forward. It remains to be seen if the appropriate offices will take concrete action towards the topic of road safety.
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