Gerik: The Higher Education Ministry (KPT) will provide an initial aid of RM2,000 and disaster relief of RM1,000 to the families of victims involved in the tragic bus accident that claimed 15 lives at KM53, East-West Highway (JRTB) near Gerik early this morning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir stated that the initial aid is aimed at easing the burden of the families, including funeral arrangements for the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students who died in the incident. UPSI has also announced immediate assistance, including RM2,000 from KPT for each victim’s family to manage funeral arrangements, while UPSI will provide RM1,000.

Additional support, including funeral assistance, insurance coverage, zakat aid, accident relief, and accommodation for families, has also been arranged, as elaborated by Dr. Zambry during a media conference at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB). Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and UPSI vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff were also present at the conference.

Zambry mentioned that UPSI will coordinate all assistance efforts and stated that KPT, the Education Ministry (MoE), and the Health Ministry (MoH) are in communication to ensure swift action in assisting the victims and their families. He detailed that all basic needs, particularly related to the management of the remains, have been arranged, including the provision of hearses to transport the bodies to their respective destinations. Other forms of assistance include ensuring that affected family members in HRPB and Gerik Hospital are taken care of, including providing them with the necessary support.

He reported that 13 bodies had arrived at HRPB’s forensic department for post-mortems, while the remaining two were at Gerik Hospital. Zambry also informed that he had contacted Transport Minister Anthony Loke regarding the possibility of launching an investigation into the incident and advised the public not to speculate.

Furthermore, the Perak government has announced an initial aid contribution of RM1,000 for each of the next of kin of the victims involved in the accident. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad stated that the contribution is intended to ease the burden of the victims’ families who have had to travel to the state to identify and claim the bodies. The state government is also prepared to assist in other matters to ease the families’ efforts in handling funeral arrangements, including the provision of tents for shelter and food. The Ipoh City Council (MBI) has contributed tents for shelter, and packed meals are being provided to the victims’ families and forensic officers who have been working tirelessly.