INVESTIGATIONS into the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) bus crash that claimed 15 lives are still in their early stages, according to Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
Speaking at an event in Kuala Lumpur, Ayob Khan said it was too soon to draw conclusions, as the investigation is ongoing.
“It’s still too early to disclose any findings. The investigation is progressing and updates will be provided in due time. Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husein, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, and Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri issued statements regarding the case,”Bernama cited him telling reporters.
The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday at KM53 of the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, involved a chartered bus transporting UPSI students from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university’s campus in Tanjung Malim. A total of 15 students died and 33 others were injured.
The bus driver, Mohd Amirul Fadhil Zulkifle, 39, who is currently receiving treatment for a fractured left arm at Hospital Taiping, said he lost control of the vehicle after the brakes suddenly failed.
‘I am Sorry’
“I apologise to the families of the victims and the students involved in the crash. The brakes stopped working all of a sudden,” he said tearfully.
According to him, the bus was operating normally until it reached the elephant crossing bridge near Gerik, where the braking system became unresponsive.
“I tried everything I could, but even the handbrake and gear system failed as the bus’s air pressure had dropped. I tried to avoid hitting other vehicles—four in total, including a lorry,” he explained.
“The last vehicle I overtook had a dashcam, and that was when I lost control on a bend. People may think I was speeding recklessly, but in reality, I was trying not to hit anyone.”
He said he shouted to warn passengers once he realised the brakes were non-functional. “Those seated near the front may have heard me, but most were asleep and probably thought I was shouting in anger.”
After the bus overturned, he briefly lost consciousness. Upon regaining awareness, he called out to the students to escape through the shattered front windshield. “I crawled out and saw the devastation. I cried... I did my best, but God tested me with this tragedy.”
Mohd Amirul, who has been driving buses since 2016, said this was the first accident he had ever been involved in that resulted in fatalities.
Meanwhile, Perak Police Chief Datuk Noor Hisam Noordin confirmed last night that a dashcam owner has come forward to assist with the investigation, saying “Yes, the dashcam footage has been handed over and will be reviewed by the investigating officer.
“The footage is expected to be a key element in determining the actual cause of the crash,” he told reporters at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun.
He said the video would help clarify critical aspects such as the bus’s speed and road conditions.
“The footage clearly shows the bus was speeding and attempting to overtake a vehicle before it crashed into the rear of a Perodua Alza and overturned. The guardrail pierced through the bus from the front, causing the worst damage on the left side where most fatalities occurred,” he added.
Most injured passengers reportedly suffered trauma to the left shoulder area after being thrown from the right side when the bus overturned. - June 10, 2025
