Brake failure claim in fatal UPSI bus crash to be verified soon, says Transport Minister

CLAIMS by a bus driver that the vehicle which crashed and killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students suffered brake failure will be verified in the coming days, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

The driver had alleged that the brakes were not functioning at the time of the tragic incident along the Gerik–Jeli East–West Highway on Monday. However, the minister cautioned that such a claim would be subjected to rigorous technical verification.

"The driver claimed that the brakes failed during the incident, but this is something we can prove or disprove soon," Loke said on Thursday.

“Puspakom has already conducted an inspection of the bus’s braking system. We cannot simply take the driver’s word for it without technical evidence.”

Loke was speaking to reporters after inspecting the crash site and examining the wreckage at the Gerik District Police Headquarters, where he was briefed by Acting Gerik District Police Chief, Deputy Superintendent Muhammad Firdaus Abdullah.

He issued a stern warning to the driver: “I want to caution the driver – do not attempt to make false statements, because they can be proven wrong through mechanical testing.”

While the precise cause of the crash has yet to be determined, Loke said authorities were examining all angles, including road conditions and the driver’s conduct.

“Whether the cause was due to road conditions or the driver's own actions, we are still investigating. A detailed probe is underway.”

In the meantime, the government is also considering action against the bus operator, including legal proceedings and permit revocation.

“We have had cases before where legal action was brought against the company, even if the owner was not the driver. As the operator, they are responsible,” Loke said.

“In this case, I believe the Road Transport Department (JPJ) should open an investigation file, which will then be referred to the Attorney General's Chambers.”

As for the driver, Loke confirmed that investigations are being conducted under the Road Transport Act 1987, and any charges will depend on the outcome of the police report. - June 12, 2025