A tragic accident on June 9 claimed the lives of several Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students after their bus reportedly crashed into a Perodua Alza in Gerik, Perak, allegedly due to brake failure.
The crash killed 15 students and left 33 others injured, including the bus driver, co-driver, and the driver and three passengers of the Perodua Alza.
“Their PTPTN loans will be written off”
Unity Government spokesperson Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced that the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans of students who died in the crash will be fully written off, according to Harian Metro.
He said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir confirmed that the cancellations are in line with existing policy.
“For students who had PTPTN loans, their debts have been cancelled as per current policy. So there’s no issue regarding PTPTN repayments for the victims,” he said.
Govt to give aid to families of the deceased and injured
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also announced that the government will provide an additional RM10,000 in aid to the families of those who lost their lives in the fatal bus crash.
In a Facebook post, Anwar said the decision was made during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (June 12). He also announced that RM5,000 would be given to those who were injured in the accident.
“May the families and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident be granted strength and resilience to get through this incredibly difficult time,” he wrote.
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Also read: Anthony Loke: Bus Company’s Permit Revoked Immediately Following Crash That Killed 15 UPSI Students
