Besut: The bus accident involving students of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) on the East-West Highway (JRTB), near Gerik, Perak on June 9, not only left an impact on the victims, but also caused trauma to the family members of those involved. Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad highlighted this issue, noting the widespread fear among the families, particularly concerning travel by bus.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Noraini reported that her visit to the homes of both deceased and injured victims revealed significant anxiety among family members about riding in vehicles following the tragedy. The ministry’s current focus is on providing emotional support to help them return to normalcy. “What I have seen is that not only the victims themselves, but some of the family members are also traumatised, especially when it comes to riding in vehicles. So our focus (the ministry) now is, among other things, to cheer them up and ensure that they can return to their normal lives,” she stated.
Noraini made these remarks after visiting Nur Ain Najwa Mohd Ilias, a 23-year-old UPSI student injured in the accident, at her home in Kampung Gong Kemuntong. To address the psychological needs of the victims and their families, the ministry has engaged 20 counsellors, including those from the Local Social Support Centre (PSSS), to provide support to affected families in Besut and Setiu.
Counsellors from UPSI, other universities, and nearby hospitals have also extended their services, showing a collective effort from various parties across Malaysia to aid those in distress. “Thank God, in this trying time, we see many parties from all over Malaysia coming together to help,” Noraini added.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of June 9, when a chartered bus carrying UPSI students from Jertih to their main campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak, overturned after colliding with a Perodua Alza on the JRTB. The crash resulted in the deaths of 15 students and injuries to 33 others, including the bus driver, attendant, and the driver and three passengers of the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).