Gerik: The preliminary report by the special task force on the fatal road crash involving Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students in Gerik on June 9 has been uploaded on the official website of the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MOT stated that the report was presented at the Cabinet meeting this morning, where it was decided that the preliminary findings should be made accessible to the public. "In the interest of transparency in the investigation and for public interest, the Cabinet has agreed that this report be released to the public," it said in a statement today.

The report was independently and objectively prepared by the special task force, led by the ministry's Chief Air Accident Inspector, with contributions from technical experts and representatives from various related agencies. "The focus of the investigation is on safety aspects and does not affect any ongoing criminal investigations being carried out by the authorities," the statement added.

According to the ministry, this initiative demonstrates its dedication to accountability and the continuous enhancement of the road safety system. "MOT hopes the report can serve as the basis for healthy public discussion and collective action towards a safer and more resilient transport system," it said.

On the morning of June 9, a tragic accident occurred when 15 UPSI students lost their lives as the chartered bus they were traveling in from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's main campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak, overturned after colliding with a Perodua Alza on the East-West Highway. The crash also resulted in injuries to 33 individuals, including the bus driver and assistant, as well as the driver and three passengers of the MPV.