Gerik Crash Tragedy: Bus Driver Pleads Not Guilty To Causing Deaths Of UPSI Students
He faces 15 counts of causing death by dangerous driving, along with a separate charge for reckless driving.
Cover image via L Manimaran/New Straits TimesThe driver of the express bus involved in the crash that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students has been charged in court with multiple counts of dangerous driving causing death
Mohd Amirul Fadhil Zulkifle, 39, was charged today, 13 June at the Gerik Magistrate's Court with 15 counts under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, reported the New Straits Times.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge read before magistrate Muhammad Firdaus Nor Azlan.
If found guilty, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of RM50,000 for each count.
Amirul was also charged separately under Section 42(1) of the same Act for reckless and dangerous driving. This offence carries a jail term of up to five years, a fine between RM5,000 and RM15,000, and a minimum five-year driving ban. The driver pleaded not guilty to this charge as well.
Image via Bernama
According to the charges, the crash occurred around 1.15am on 9 June at KM53 of the East-West Highway (JRTB) near Tasik Banding, Gerik
The bus was carrying 42 students returning to UPSI's main campus from Jerteh, Terengganu, when it collided with a Perodua Alza. Thirteen students died at the scene, while two more died in hospital.
UPSI has since confirmed the identities of all 15 students who died in the tragedy. In a statement, the university's Corporate Communications Division named the victims as:
- Sufea Adela Maslihaizan, 21, from Kampung Air Terjun, Jerteh
- Mohammad Aqil Taqiudin, 21, from Kampung Gong Bayor, Besut
- Anis Soffiyya Md Zaidi, 20, from Kampung Rahmat, Chalok, Setiu
- Nur Ainul Qistina Mat Ali, 21, from Lorong Tapah, Kampung Anak Ikan, Jerteh
- Fakhrul Arif Rosdi, 20, from Kampung Kerandang, Jerteh
- Nurul Fatihah Abu Setaman, 22, from Kampung Gong Duek, Besut
- Nur Dalila Farhana Mohamad Isma, 21, from Kampung Bharu Tok Dor, Jerteh
- Nurul Izyanti Muhamad Azahar, 21, from Kampung Padang Luas, Jerteh
- Nur Amni Nadiah Nik Nor Zabir, 21, from Kampung Paya Rawa, Besut
- Muhammad Mustaqim Rosde, 21, from Kampung Telaga Nibong, Jerteh
- Nor Ayuni Maslan, 21, from Felda Tenang, Jerteh
- Nurly Sahirah Azman, 23, from Kampung Gong Pasir Kerandang, Besut
- Fatin Nasrien Fadli, 22, from Kampung Kerandang, Besut
- Muhammad Adib Hazim Halim, 21, from Kampung Pasir Badak, Jerteh
- Wan Nur Suhaila Wan Muhammad, 22, from Jalan Gong Maksom, Kampung Amer, Besut
The crash is one of the deadliest road tragedies involving students in recent Malaysian history, prompting fresh scrutiny into public transport safety and enforcement along the East-West Highway.
The Transport Ministry has announced that it will begin enforcing the use of speed limiters on heavy vehicles in phases starting this October, with full rollout by July 2026.
