A HEAVY cloud of grief hangs over Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) as students and staff return to class following the bus crash that claimed the lives of 15 undergraduates early Monday morning.
Among the victims were five students from the Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Human Sciences (FSK). Two of the five died, one remains in critical condition, another is seriously injured, and one sustained a broken arm.
A video widely shared on social media captured a poignant moment in a lecture hall where a lecturer broke down in tears during a morning class, reflecting the deep sorrow felt throughout the campus.
Associate Professor Dr Zulfiqar Shah A Hadi, a senior academic at the university, expressed his grief in a Facebook post.
“The start of class today at UPSI was filled with sadness. We are truly heartbroken. Five of our students from FSK were involved in the crash,” he wrote.
“Two passed away, one is in critical condition and undergoing emergency brain surgery, another is seriously injured and receiving treatment, and one has a broken arm. May Allah ease their recovery,” he added.
The deadly collision occurred along the East-West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur Barat) near Tasik Banding, Gerik, when a chartered bus carrying 44 UPSI students collided with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), believed to be a Perodua Alza.
The students were reportedly returning to campus in Tanjung Malim from Jertih, Terengganu after celebrating Aidiladha with their families. The crash has since been described as one of Malaysia’s most devastating road accidents in recent years.
Meanwhile, UPSI has announced 13 aid and support initiatives for students and the families of those affected by the tragic bus accident along the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik, on Monday.
Its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff (pic), said these efforts are part of the university’s immediate response to ensure the welfare of the students and their families is fully prioritised.
“Since the incident, UPSI has taken proactive steps to provide immediate financial assistance to the victims’ next of kin, while also ensuring the remains are managed and laid to rest properly in their respective hometowns,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that each family has been accompanied by a specially assigned officer to assist with the arrangements of repatriating the deceased.
“UPSI has also arranged meals and refreshments for the families and personnel involved in the hospital and on-site operations,” he said.
Dr Md Amin further stated that the personal belongings of the victims are being returned to their families, with all related costs fully borne by the university.
He noted that UPSI is also offering counselling and psychological support services to the victims’ families and to students injured in the crash.
“For families needing accommodation throughout the process, lodging has also been provided by the university. Student insurance matters are being managed accordingly, and a special 24-hour operations room has been set up on campus to coordinate all assistance and disseminate relevant information,” he added.
He also mentioned that UPSI has stationed university officers at hospitals in Gerik, Ipoh, and Taiping to assist families and victims.
“We are also helping with burial arrangements in the victims’ hometowns and will continue to conduct home visits and provide ongoing psychological support to all those affected,” he said.
“Additionally, UPSI is coordinating various forms of aid and donations received from external parties to be distributed to the families involved.
“We are deeply saddened by what has happened. UPSI will continue to do everything possible to ensure that every affected student and family receives the necessary support and attention.
“We ask the entire UPSI community and the public to pray that all matters are eased,” he concluded. - June 10, 2025
