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SEVERAL victims of the tour bus tragedy in Gerik, Perak, on 9 June have been found to have sustained serious injuries leading to permanent disabilities, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad confirmed on Wednesday.
She said a detailed investigation is underway to determine the type of long-term support the ministry can provide, with particular focus on victims suffering from broken limbs, amputations, or life-altering trauma.
“All cases involving permanent disability will be thoroughly assessed before any follow-up aid is disbursed,” she said.
“The number of victims with long-term injuries is still under investigation, as some are still receiving treatment in hospitals in both Perak and Terengganu.
“We will only proceed once they are stable, as the process must be handled with care,” Sinar Harian reported Noraini saying after visiting 23-year-old survivor Nur Ain Najwa Mohd Ilias at the People's Housing Project (PPR) in Kampung Gong Kemuntong, in Besut, Kelantan.
She added a post-Cabinet meeting had tasked the Social Welfare Department (JKM) with conducting on-site assessments to ensure no victim is left behind.
“We do not want those living with permanent injuries to be burdened financially or emotionally. It is our responsibility to provide support in every way we can,” she said.
In addition, the ministry has activated the Economic Protection and People's Wellbeing (Peka) assistance programme to deliver cash aid and mobile psychological counselling through the One-Stop Social Support Centre (PSSS).
“This service can be deployed to wherever it is needed. Victims or families can request it on-site,” she said.
The fatal incident occurred at around 1am when a bus carrying 42 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students reportedly lost control and crashed into a multipurpose vehicle near Tasik Banding along the East-West Highway in Gerik.
Fifteen people were killed and 33 others injured in the crash, several of whom are still hospitalised. - June 18, 2025
