Kulim bus operator tight-lipped as permit revoked over fatal UPSI chartered bus crash

THE tour bus company based in Kulim, Kedah, whose operating permit had been leased to a third-party operator involved in Monday’s fatal crash in Gerik, has declined to comment as investigations continue into the tragedy that claimed 15 student lives.

A company representative told the New Straits Times that the firm would not be making any public statement at this stage, citing the ongoing investigation and the sensitivities surrounding the incident.

“We do not wish to comment at this time. Let the authorities carry out a thorough investigation as we do not want to complicate matters,” the spokesperson said.

“Furthermore, the incident involved numerous casualties. We wish to respect the families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. That is all we have to say for now.”

The Transport Ministry has since confirmed the revocation of all permits held by the company, citing serious breaches of permit conditions.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed that the company had leased its permit to a Kelantan-based operator for RM500 a month and had also failed to activate the GPS tracking system in the bus involved in the crash.

The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when a tour bus carrying 42 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students from Jerteh, Terengganu, to Tanjung Malim, Perak, collided with a Perodua Alza along the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding in Gerik. Fifteen students were killed, and 33 others sustained injuries.

Police have confirmed that a statement has been recorded from the owner of the bus company. Acting Gerik district police chief Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Firdaus Abdullah said the man, in his 50s, presented himself at the Gerik District Police Headquarters at 10.30pm on Wednesday.

“The session lasted approximately one hour and 30 minutes,” he said when contacted on Thursday.

A visit to the company’s registered office on Jalan Kilang Lama found the premises closed. A neighbouring business owner claimed the office had been inactive for more than a year.

“The office has been quiet since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. I noticed it was fully closed more than a year ago,” said the woman, who declined to be named.

Despite its inactivity, the company's signage still advertises transport services, including tour packages and hotel bookings. A review of the company’s Facebook page showed no activity since September 2024. Two of its buses were seen parked in a locked lot nearby, suggesting ongoing operations for worker transport.

The Vibes.com had earlier reported that police had recorded a statement from the owner of the bus company involved in the fatal crash that claimed 15 lives near Tasik Banding on Monday.

The bus, carrying students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), collided with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) at around 1am at Kilometre 53 of the East–West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur-Barat) near Gerik.

Gerik acting district police chief Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Firdaus Abdullah said the individual, a man in his 50s, was summoned to assist investigations.

“He came to the Gerik District Police Headquarters at 10.30pm last night (Wednesday). The session lasted approximately one hour and 30 minutes,” he confirmed when contacted on Thursday. - June 12, 2025