Gerik: The Terengganu State Government will fully bear the funeral costs for the 15 victims of the fatal bus accident on the East-West Highway (JRTB), near Tasik Banding, Gerik, early this morning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Welfare, Women’s Development, Family, and National Unity Committee Chairman, Maliaman Kassim, announced that the state government will also provide logistical support to the victims’ families who are currently at the hospital. In addition, a psychosocial team will be assigned to assist family members who are facing trauma or grief due to the incident.

Maliaman Kassim emphasized the significant loss felt by the community, stating, “Indeed, the passing of these students is a great loss not only to their families but also to Terengganu, which is very proud of the achievements and spirit of its youth in pursuing knowledge.” He further assured that counseling services and immediate assistance will be provided to the grieving families to help them cope with these difficult moments.

The tragic incident occurred between 12:30 am and 1:00 am when 15 UPSI students lost their lives. The accident involved a chartered bus traveling from Jertih to Tanjung Malim, Perak, which overturned after a collision with a Perodua Alza multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) on the JRTB, near Tasik Banding, Perak.

In addition to the fatalities, the accident resulted in injuries to 33 others, including the bus driver and second driver, as well as the driver of the Perodua Alza and three passengers.