The nation was left in mourning after a devastating bus crash along the Jeli-Gerik Highway claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students.
Now, the driver of the bus involved in the tragedy has broken his silence and offered a heartfelt apology.
‘I’m so sorry’
Lying in a hospital bed in Taiping, 39-year-old Mohd Amirul Fadhil Zulkifle shared his heartfelt regret over the crash, as reported by NST.
I wish to apologise to the families of the victims and to the students involved in the crash. What happened was due to a sudden brake failure,” he said.
Amirul, who has been a bus driver since 2016, said the journey began in Terengganu with no signs of trouble.
But things took a terrifying turn near the elephant crossing bridge in Gerik when both the brake and air systems failed without warning.
‘I tried everything, but nothing worked’
Recounting the incident, Amirul said he struggled to maintain control as the bus sped downhill.
I tried everything I could but without air pressure, the brakes and handbrake were useless. I couldn’t even change gears. I remember swerving past at least four vehicles, including a lorry. The last one had a dashcam. I wasn’t speeding I was trying not to hit anyone.”
He estimated the bus travelled over a kilometre with failed brakes.
“I know the Jeli-Gerik road well. I was especially cautious because it’s a downhill stretch. I shouted to the students to brace for impact, but many were asleep. Some thought I was shouting in anger.” he explained.
‘I crawled out & cried’
When the bus overturned, Amirul briefly lost consciousness.
I woke up and shouted for the students to escape through the broken front windscreen. I crawled out and saw them… I cried. I was devastated.”
With a fractured left arm, Amirul is now awaiting surgery. But the emotional scars, he admits, run far deeper.
“This is the first fatal accident I’ve ever had in all my years of driving. I feel an overwhelming sense of guilt. But I can’t undo what’s happened. All I can do now is apologise and let the authorities investigate.”
Police investigations underway
Preliminary police findings suggest the crash occurred after the bus rear-ended a Perodua Alza, causing it to overturn.
The vehicle was carrying 42 UPSI students, a bus attendant, and Amirul at the time.
The investigation is ongoing.
READ ALSO:
