On June 9, a bus carrying over 40 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students crashed into a Perodua Alza in Perak, killing 15 students and injuring 33 others.
In a recent update reported by Sinar Harian, authorities confirmed that some of the survivors have sustained serious injuries resulting in permanent disabilities.
The number of victims with permanent disabilities is still being determined
Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, has spoken out, saying a detailed investigation is currently underway to determine the types of aid that will be provided to the victims.
She said cases involving severe injuries, such as broken legs, loss of limbs, and long-term damage, will be given special attention.
Meanwhile, all cases involving permanent disability will have to go through an assessment and investigation process before any assistance is extended.
“The exact number of victims suffering permanent disabilities is still being investigated, as some are still receiving treatment in hospitals in Perak and Terengganu. We need to give them time to stabilise before moving forward, as the process must be handled with care.”
“If they can’t come to us, we’ll go to them”
Noraini added that during the ministry’s post-Cabinet meeting, it was decided that the Social Welfare Department (JKM) would be deployed to the ground to assess all affected individuals and ensure no one is left out of receiving assistance.
“We don’t want those suffering permanent injuries to be burdened financially or emotionally. It is our responsibility to support them in the best way possible,” she said.
She also shared that the ministry is extending help through the Economic Protection and Wellbeing Programme (PEKA), which includes cash assistance and mobile psychological counselling services provided by the Local Social Support Centre (PSSS).
“These services are mobile, so if the victims can’t come to us, we’ll go to them,” she added.
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