Bus Driver Pleads Not Guilty to Causing Death of 15 UPSI Students in Gerik Crash
GERIK: The driver of the bus involved in the tragic crash that claimed the lives of 15 students from Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) pleaded not guilty today to multiple charges of dangerous driving resulting in death.
Mohd Amirul Fadhil Zulkifle, 39, appeared before the Gerik Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged with 15 counts under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving in a dangerous manner, leading to the fatal accident along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway (JRTB) on June 9 at approximately 1:15 a.m.
He also pleaded not guilty to an additional charge under Section 42(1) of the same act for dangerous driving that endangered public safety.
The accident occurred at KM53 of the JRTB near Tasik Banding when the bus carrying UPSI students overturned after colliding with a Perodua Alza. The crash left 15 students dead and 33 others injured.
Victims of the Tragedy:
The tragic event claimed the lives of the following students:
- Fakhrul Arif Rosdi, 20
- Mohammad Aqil Taqiuddin Mohd Sofian, 21
- Nik Amni Nadiah Nik Nor Zabir, 21
- Nurul Fatihah Abu Setaman, 22
- Nurul Izyanti Muhamad Azahar, 21
- Sufea Adela Maslihaizan, 21
- Nur Ainul Qistina Mat Ali, 21
- Nur Dalilah Farhana Mohamad Isma, 21
- Nurly Sahirah Azman, 23
- Fatin Nasrien Fadli, 22
- Muhammad Mustaqim Rosde, 21
- Anis Soffiyya Md Zaidi, 20
- Nor Ayuni Maslan, 21
- Muhammad Adib Hazim Halim, 21
- Wan Nur Suhaila Wan Muhammad, 22
If convicted under Section 41(1), Mohd Amirul could face imprisonment between five and 10 years, a fine of up to RM50,000, and disqualification from holding or obtaining a driving license for at least five years. The charge under Section 42(1) carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a minimum fine of RM5,000, or both, along with a mandatory license suspension of at least five years.
Bail and Legal Proceedings:
The court granted bail for the accused at RM19,000 for all charges with two sureties. The court has ordered him to report weekly to the nearest police station and suspended his driving license pending the case’s outcome.
The next case mention has been scheduled for July 14, 2025, to allow the accused time to appoint legal representation.
The prosecution is being led by Perak State Prosecution Director Muhammad Zaki Abdul Kudos, along with Deputy Public Prosecutors Nasrul Hadi Abdul Ghani and Moganaraj Mithra.
This devastating incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, with tributes pouring in for the victims—young students who had bright futures ahead.