PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has conveyed his profound sorrow over the tragic road accident near Gerik in the early hours of Monday, which claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students.
In an official statement, Anwar said he and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, were heartbroken upon receiving news of the fatal incident involving a university bus and several other vehicles along the East-West Highway.
“My wife Azizah and I are deeply saddened by the tragic accident near Gerik this morning which resulted in the loss of 15 students,” he said.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to all the families of the victims. We pray that you find strength and resilience during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Prime Minister confirmed he had instructed the Ministry of Higher Education to coordinate appropriate support for the families affected by the tragedy.
He also urged Malaysians to take heed from such devastating occurrences, which continue to plague the nation’s roads.
“Let this heartrending tragedy serve as a reminder to us all to exercise caution, avoid rushing, and cherish every life,” he said. “Your lives are precious and irreplaceable.”
Communications Minister Extends Condolences
Meanwhile, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students who perished in a fatal road accident early Monday along the East-West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat), near Banun, Gerik.
In a message shared on Facebook, Fahmi expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, which involved a university bus and another vehicle near Tasik Banding, Perak.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the tragic accident involving UPSI students on the Jeli-Gerik road early this morning,” he said.
“On behalf of everyone at the Ministry of Communications, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of the 15 students who lost their lives in the incident. This is a tremendous loss that will no doubt be felt deeply by the UPSI community.”
He also offered prayers for the souls of the deceased, hoping they would be placed among the righteous, and wished a swift recovery for those injured in the crash.
The bus, carrying UPSI students returning from Jerteh, Terengganu to their campus in Tanjung Malim, was involved in a collision with another vehicle before overturning. - June 9, 2025
