Gerik Crash: No signs Of Brake, Steering Failure

Preliminary investigations into the fatal June 9 bus crash in Gerik, Perak, which resulted in 15 deaths on the East-West Highway, have not revealed any technical malfunctions, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

Puspakom inspections indicated that the braking system, including all brake linings and axle drums, was in satisfactory condition.

“There is no indication of mechanical failure in these areas that could be directly linked to the cause of the crash,” Loke says in a statement, adding that tyre tread depth was within JPJ safety standards, and steering and suspension were in good working order based on physical inspection.


The minister announced ongoing investigations into human error and road conditions as likely causes, reaffirming the ministry's commitment to road safety through stricter enforcement of regulations, driver qualifications, and transport company operations.

“The Ministry of Transport (MOT) will consider and implement appropriate improvements based on the final investigation report to further enhance road safety,” he stated.

The bus driver, Mohd Amirul Fadhil Zulkifli, 39, has denied 15 counts of reckless driving before Magistrate Muhammad Firdaus Nor Azlan, claiming brake failure caused the incident.


Amirul, legally represented, was granted release on RM19,000 court bail with one surety for all charges. The mention date is set for July 14.

Earlier, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Director, Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, reported that the accused involved in the fatal accident, which survivors attributed to speeding, had been issued 18 summonses earlier.
Of these, 13 were for speeding violations. The remaining summonses were for not wearing a seatbelt (3 counts), a missing third brake light (1 count), and causing an accident (1 count).


A tragic accident occurred on Monday involving a chartered bus carrying UPSI students from Jertih to the Tanjung Malim campus. The collision with a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) on the East-West Highway resulted in the deaths of 15 people, drawing significant attention in Malaysia.