Fatal UPSI bus trip was privately chartered by students, says VC
He said no lecturers or staff were involved as the journey was arranged independently by the students in conjunction with the Hari Raya Haji break.
SHAH ALAM - The bus involved in the fatal crash along the East–West Highway in Banun, Gerik, which claimed the lives of several Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students, was a private arrangement by the students and not part of an official university programme.
UPSI vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff clarified that the tour bus had been independently chartered by students returning to campus after the Hari Raya Aidiladha holidays. The group had been travelling from their hometowns in Jerteh and Hulu Terengganu.
“No lecturers or university staff were involved, as the journey was arranged solely by the students in conjunction with the Hari Raya Haji break,” he said when contacted by Sinar on Monday.
Following the tragic incident, UPSI swiftly established a special operations centre that is operating 24 hours a day to coordinate welfare assistance and provide support to the victims and their families.
Amin said university teams have been stationed at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh and Gerik Hospital to monitor the situation and ensure that the victims’ needs are promptly addressed.
“Counselling teams have also been mobilised and the special operations centre at the UPSI campus is fully operational, coordinating aid with community leaders in Jerteh and Hulu Terengganu.
“We will ensure that each family receives appropriate support, covering emotional, logistical, and welfare aspects,” he said.
He further described the incident as the first of its kind involving UPSI students with such a high number of casualties.
“The entire UPSI community and Malaysians are deeply saddened. We bid a final farewell to those who lost their lives and pray for the best for all victims,” he said.
Regarding the exact number of casualties or injured, Amin stated that the university is still awaiting official information from the authorities.
“I cannot confirm the numbers at this time. We leave it to the authorities for official verification.
“But what is certain is that this is a major tragedy and one that has deeply shaken all of us,” he added.
Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!
