Gerik: The chartered bus tragedy that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students has elicited an outpouring of grief on social media from Cabinet members and people from all walks of life.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek extended her condolences to the families of the victims and prayed that they be granted strength and resilience in facing this devastating tragedy. She expressed her sentiments in a Facebook post, urging everyone to pray for the souls of the deceased to be forgiven and honored.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar described the deaths of the victims as not only a loss to their families but also to the entire ummah, emphasizing the students’ role as seekers of knowledge. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu also expressed their condolences on social media.

Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan expressed hope for the injured and surviving victims’ speedy recovery, extending his deepest condolences to the affected families. Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail also conveyed his sympathy on Facebook, wishing for the families’ strength and the swift recovery of those receiving treatment.

The Office of the Perak State Secretary extended its condolences, praying for the victims’ souls to be blessed with Allah’s mercy. Social media users also shared their sentiments, with many expressing heartbreak over the tragedy and offering prayers for the deceased.

Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin confirmed that the crash involved a bus and a multi-purpose vehicle on the East-West Highway in Banun, near Tasik Banding, approximately 57 kilometers from Gerik, Perak.