Gerik: The Kedah Government has expressed its condolences to the families of 15 Universiti Perguruan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students who tragically lost their lives in a bus accident on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik. The accident occurred early yesterday morning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor extended his sympathies to those injured in the crash, including the driver and passengers of the Perodua Alza, who are from Kedah. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the affected families, acknowledging the devastation caused by the loss of their loved ones and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured so they may continue their studies at UPSI.

Further extending his sympathies, Muhammad Sanusi expressed concern for the family of Ustaz Lutfi (Mohd Lutfi Radzi), the driver of the involved Perodua Alza. His wife and children are reportedly receiving treatment at a hospital, and a representative has been sent to monitor their condition.

The accident took place at 1.10 am when a bus carrying 42 UPSI students from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak, collided with a Perodua Alza and overturned, resulting in the deaths of 15 students. The driver of the Perodua Alza, Mohd Lutfi Radzi, along with his wife Nurul Ain Zakaria and their two children, were injured in the crash.

Muhammad Sanusi emphasized the need for authorities to prioritize road safety by allocating resources to repair, widen, and straighten the East-West Highway. He noted that road conditions contribute to accidents and stressed the importance of reassessing the road design to accommodate current traffic speeds and volume, particularly since the JRTB is a critical route for those traveling between the north and the East Coast.