Gerik bus crash: UPSI prioritises student welfare

IPOH: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff (pic) has urged all faculties, deans, and lecturers to prioritise the welfare of students affected by the tragic bus crash in Gerik on Monday (June 9).

In an online briefing held on Monday (June 16), Dr Md Amin highlighted two main areas of concern.

The first, he said, was the need to support the families of the students who lost their lives in the accident.

“How can we best assist in managing the welfare and needs of the families (waris)?” he said.

The second focus is on the students who were injured but are still pursuing their studies.

He urged academic staff to ensure that matters related to their exams, assignments, and academic affairs are properly managed, whether the students are recovering in hospital or at home.

“I repeat, do everything possible so that these students do not have to defer their semester despite being in pain and going through hardship.

“We have many flexible learning systems. Make sure they are not left behind. We don’t want them to extend their studies or fail,” he said.

“These children need our attention, our assistance, and our encouragement. We must ensure none of them are left to struggle or end up failing not because they didn’t try, but because we failed to support them.

“Otherwise, they will say, ‘What’s the point of doing good in this world, if only academic results matter?’ That is not the way at UPSI. Ethics (adab) and morals (akhlak) are our priorities, above all else,” he added.

He also reminded them to be mindful of the classmates of those who died or were injured.

“Imagine preparing a presentation with five names, but only three students show up. Imagine a dorm room where four used to live, and now only two remain, gazing at the empty bed,” he said.

Dr Md Amin called on all staff to support the students during these difficult times.

“There may be needs that our university committee may not foresee. If you have ideas or initiatives, carry them out if they benefit our students. Don’t wait for instructions.

“My dear colleagues, while we grieve this loss, remember, Allah helps us in many ways. These children are honoured in the highest way, a reflection of the values and guidance you’ve instilled in them,” he added.

The bus crash, which claimed 15 lives of UPSI students, occurred between 12.30am and 1am on Monday when the chartered bus travelling from Jertih, Terengganu, to Tanjung Malim, Perak, overturned after colliding with an MPV on the East-West Highway near Gerik.

The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver, his assistant, along with the MPV driver and three passengers.