UPSI Bus Crash: Brake Fade, Speed Cited as Key Factors

The deadly Gerik bus crash that claimed 15 UPSI students last June was the result of a perfect storm of mechanical issues, driver choices, and systemic gaps, according to a special task force under the Transport Ministry.

The investigation found that the bus’s braking system was already compromised before the crash. Inspectors discovered worn and deformed brake drums, grease and oil contamination on the linings, and inconsistencies in the brake material. 

These issues made the brakes far less effective, especially when the bus was driven at high speeds down steep slopes along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway.

The bus, which was being driven over the safe limit, lost stability and skidded, eventually overturning. It struck a W-beam guardrail that penetrated the cabin, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries. 

While the driver said the brakes suddenly failed, technical analysis showed the failure was gradual, caused by overheating and continuous stress on the braking system.

"The driver had a record of unpaid traffic summonses and admitted to driving “really fast” in the moments before the crash, even attempting to overtake other vehicles

Fatigue was also a factor as he had only slept about three hours before starting the night journey," it noted, adding that speeding, risky driving habits, and poor brake management all played a role.

On top of this, the bus operator, Kenari Utara Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, had illegally transferred its permit to a third party. The vehicle itself lacked basic safety features like seat belts for passengers, GPS tracking, and speed limiters. 

Both drivers had accumulated more than 30 traffic summonses, many unpaid, highlighting lapses in enforcement and operator oversight.

The task force’s report also flagged broader systemic issues, including weak road barriers, poor signage, and gaps in regulatory oversight. 

"Recommendations include upgrading guardrails, installing speed cameras, enforcing mandatory seat belts, improving driver screening, and using GPS and AI-based systems to track risky driving

“Ultimately, this crash shows how mechanical problems, human decisions, and organisational shortcomings can combine with devastating results. We need stronger safety systems, smarter monitoring, and stricter compliance to protect lives on Malaysian roads," the report concluded.