TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has confirmed that safety concerns along the East-West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat, JRTB) will be tabled at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, following the tragic bus accident that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students.
Speaking after officiating CruiseWorld Malaysia 2025, Loke said his ministry would collaborate with other relevant ministries to assess and implement immediate remedial measures to improve safety along the highway, particularly in areas with poor road conditions and insufficient lighting.
“In terms of road safety, including at JRTB, we are taking it seriously and we need to work together with various other ministries. I will raise the matter at the Cabinet meeting tomorrow morning so we can discuss what immediate steps can be taken,” he said.
He highlighted multiple concerns, especially at night, noting that the highway’s lack of street lighting and ageing roadside barriers are contributing factors that demand urgent attention.
“The safety issue at JRTB is something that is of concern to us – not only the roadblocks but also in terms of the road conditions and the lack of street lights at night,” Loke said, adding that the Transport Ministry will install solar-powered streetlights to address visibility concerns.
Loke also pointed out that while his ministry is responsible for transportation matters, aspects such as barrier specifications fall under the purview of the Ministry of Works. “Nevertheless, the broader road safety aspect requires a coordinated response,” he added.
The minister announced he would personally visit the crash site near Tasik Banding in Gerik on Thursday, alongside other relevant agencies, to conduct an on-site assessment and identify further action needed.
The crash, which occurred early Monday, involved a chartered bus carrying 48 students from Jertih, Terengganu to UPSI’s Tanjung Malim campus. The bus collided with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) before overturning, resulting in the deaths of 15 students and injuring 33 others.
Loke also confirmed that the Road Transport Department (RTD) and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) are conducting detailed investigations into the incident. The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has issued a show cause letter to the bus company involved and is reviewing Global Positioning System (GPS) data to determine whether the vehicle was speeding.
“When an accident occurs, the police will investigate from a criminal standpoint, while RTD will focus on technical matters and conduct a safety audit of the transport company. That process has already begun,” he said.
“We want to know whether the bus was speeding. We also need a full audit of the company and the background of the driver,” Loke added, stressing that no preliminary conclusions would be drawn until investigations are completed fairly and thoroughly. - June 10, 2025
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