THE Higher Education Ministry has directed a full investigation into the tragic death of a Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) student who was struck by a bus on campus, with a focus on safety procedures and preventive measures.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the probe is essential to ensure that such an incident does not happen again.
“UUM has informed me that they have set up two committees to look into the matter from all angles, including procedural issues and related concerns.
“We take student safety very seriously. On behalf of the Ministry of Higher Education, I would like to extend our condolences to the student’s family. It was heartbreaking to receive the report,” he told reporters at the ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering on Monday.
Earlier reports confirmed that the victim, Manarina Hasya Muhamad Karim, 22, died after being involved in a collision between two buses near a bus stop on Jalan Persiaran Perdana, within the UUM campus, at around 8.45am on 19 April.
She passed away nearly 10 hours later while receiving treatment at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) in Alor Setar, Kedah.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also attended the ministry’s Aidilfitri event, arriving at around 1.30pm. He was welcomed by Zambry and Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Director-General of Public Service Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz. - April 21, 2025