Gerik: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has assigned a staff member to assist each family of students involved in the tragic accident that claimed 15 lives at KM53 of the East-West Highway, near Tasik Banding, Gerik, early this morning. UPSI vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff said the initiative was aimed at ensuring those affected by the tragedy received proper support until all related matters were resolved.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UPSI is providing various forms of assistance, including accommodation for the victims’ families, and has committed to helping them in any way possible. Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff conveyed to reporters at the Forensic Department of Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) that the university is dedicated to supporting the affected families during this difficult time.

Earlier, Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin reported that 13 of the deceased victims were taken to HRPB and another two to Gerik Hospital for post-mortem examinations. He also mentioned that it is common practice for students to charter buses to return to campus after holidays.

At a press conference, Noor Hisam stated that the bus, which was carrying 42 UPSI students, had been chartered by the students themselves from Jerteh, Terengganu, to UPSI’s main campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak.