Gerik: The site of the tragic accident involving Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students has been earmarked as one of the significant sections of the East-West Highway (JRTB) for upgrading this year, with RM55 million allocated for improvements.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that since 2023, efforts have been made to enhance the Gerik-Jeli route, particularly along the FT04 federal road. In June 2023, RM30 million was allocated for the reconstruction of sections of the JRTB. Subsequently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional RM30 million to further upgrade the route.
"This allocation has been utilised to upgrade and maintain several critical sections of FT04," Nanta said in a Facebook post. Current works include road resurfacing, and repair of facilities, bridges, street lights, and traffic lights along both directions of the route.
Nanta explained that all upgrading works on FT04 were completed in phases between July and August 2023, costing a total of RM55.73 million, based on road damage assessments through the pavement condition assessment (PCA). He also mentioned that RM7.2 million has been allocated for various repairs in 2024 at several other sections of the route.
While the police investigation into the recent tragic accident is ongoing, Nanta acknowledged receiving several reactions concerning road conditions, which have gained attention on social media. He stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility, involving both government efforts and road users.
The accident involved a chartered bus carrying UPSI students from Jertih, Terengganu, to their campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak. The bus overturned following a collision at KM53 of JRTB, near Tasik Banding, Gerik, resulting in the death of 15 students and injuring 33 others, including the bus driver, his assistant, and three passengers of a Perodua Alza.
Meanwhile, Perak Public Works Department (PWD) director Zamri Mat Kasim reported that the tender process for installing 385 solar-powered streetlights along JRTB, including the crash site, is nearing completion. A contractor is expected to be appointed soon.
Zamri also stated that a temporary jersey barrier has replaced the damaged road barrier at the crash site, with permanent repairs pending the investigation's conclusion. Although the road remains dark due to a lack of electricity supply, safety features such as chevron markings and other signage are in good condition.
The department is awaiting a full forensic report from the police and PWD headquarters in Kuala Lumpur before taking further action, which could include an insurance claim against the bus company if negligence is found.