Gerik: Ensuring safety in all forms of transportation, whether for tourists, students, or the general public, is a fundamental issue that must never be compromised, said Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA) president Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun. He emphasized the urgency of addressing this matter following a tragic bus crash that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students at KM53 of the East-West Highway (JRTB) near Tasik Banding, Gerik, early this morning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Khalid Harun described the incident as not just a tragedy but a national emergency that requires full accountability and immediate action. He stated that the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call, underscoring the importance of no longer treating safety as a secondary concern. He urged all stakeholders, from operators to policymakers, to regard safety as a sacred responsibility that cannot be neglected.

He further stressed that tour bus operators must ensure the safety of every passenger at all times and strictly comply with established standard operating procedures. Mohd Khalid also called for a transparent investigation and decisive action against any parties found negligent or in violation of regulations.

Representing travel and tourism agencies, MATA has vowed to intensify its calls to the government for stricter monitoring, regular audits, and mandatory safety training for all licensed transport providers, especially those transporting students and large groups. Additionally, MATA plans to propose a collaborative safety initiative with the Ministry of Transport and relevant agencies to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.