Latest news with #MdAminMdTaff
Barnama
4 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Gerik Bus Tragedy: RM1.7 Million Raised Through KPT Prihatin Fund
TANJONG MALIM, June 16 (Bernama) – The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) has raised RM1.7 million through the Prihatin Fund to support the victims and families affected by the Gerik bus tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the funds collected were contributions from 40 public and private higher learning institutions which included polytechnics and community colleges, as well as contributions from various other sources such as state government agencies, financial institutions and corporate bodies. He said the special fund, managed by UPSI, will be distributed to recipients in stages and that so far, RM371,000 from the total RM1.7 million has already been disbursed to affected students and their families. "The RM1.7 million will be given to the families of the victims, and I leave it to the secretariat led by the UPSI Vice-Chancellor (Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff) to manage the fund. "The higher learning institutions have mobilised their students, staff, and others to contribute," he told reporters after the Tahlil Perdana ceremony for the bus tragedy victims at Dewan Tuanku Canselor UPSI here tonight. Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, and Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth, and Sports Committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah. Zambry also donate a month's salary of his ministership to the fund, demonstrating solidarity with the compassion shown by Malaysians. Meanwhile, Md Amin said the KPT Prihatin Fund, is expected to close this Friday. "Once we conclude the donation drive, the remaining funds will be given directly to the families. Thank you to everyone for your support. We aim to finalise this process within the week," he said.
The Sun
4 days ago
- General
- The Sun
UPSI VC urges full support to keep injured students on track this semester
IPOH: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff urged the university community to ensure that students injured in the recent accident along the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik, do not fall behind or defer their studies this semester. He called for students still undergoing treatment, either in hospital or at home, to be fully supported in managing their academic assignments and examinations, to prevent anyone from being left behind. 'These students are in pain. But we have a flexible learning system to ensure they stay on course. 'This is a personal message from the Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, to me. It is also a heartfelt command from His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah,' he said during a special online briefing today with UPSI staff and faculty. Md Amin added that UPSI students who voluntarily stepped in to help their injured peers must also be given due care, recognition and support for their compassion and service. 'The well-being of surviving classmates must be a priority. Imagine a group presentation where only three names are called, instead of five. Imagine a dorm room where just two friends remain, staring at an empty bed that once belonged to someone they cared about. 'This is more than duty—it is charity, it is reward, it is our act of devotion. Let us be there for these students in their darkest hour,' he implored. Md Amin also announced that a special prayer ceremony (Tahlil Perdana) will be held this evening at the Dewan Tuanku Canselor, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus in Tanjung Malim to honour the victims, which will be attended by Zambry and several dignitaries. 'I welcome everyone to attend. The ceremony will also include the presentation of donation cheques from various agencies, with total contributions estimated to exceed RM1 million, aimed at supporting those affected,' he said. On June 9, 15 UPSI students were killed after a chartered bus traveling from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's main campus in Tanjung Malim overturned following a collision with a Perodua Alza along the East-West Highway. The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and assistant, as well as the driver and three passengers in the Perodua Alza.
The Sun
4 days ago
- General
- The Sun
UPSI VC urges full support to keep injured students on track
IPOH: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff urged the university community to ensure that students injured in the recent accident along the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik, do not fall behind or defer their studies this semester. He called for students still undergoing treatment, either in hospital or at home, to be fully supported in managing their academic assignments and examinations, to prevent anyone from being left behind. 'These students are in pain. But we have a flexible learning system to ensure they stay on course. 'This is a personal message from the Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, to me. It is also a heartfelt command from His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah,' he said during a special online briefing today with UPSI staff and faculty. Md Amin added that UPSI students who voluntarily stepped in to help their injured peers must also be given due care, recognition and support for their compassion and service. 'The well-being of surviving classmates must be a priority. Imagine a group presentation where only three names are called, instead of five. Imagine a dorm room where just two friends remain, staring at an empty bed that once belonged to someone they cared about. 'This is more than duty—it is charity, it is reward, it is our act of devotion. Let us be there for these students in their darkest hour,' he implored. Md Amin also announced that a special prayer ceremony (Tahlil Perdana) will be held this evening at the Dewan Tuanku Canselor, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus in Tanjung Malim to honour the victims, which will be attended by Zambry and several dignitaries. 'I welcome everyone to attend. The ceremony will also include the presentation of donation cheques from various agencies, with total contributions estimated to exceed RM1 million, aimed at supporting those affected,' he said. On June 9, 15 UPSI students were killed after a chartered bus traveling from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's main campus in Tanjung Malim overturned following a collision with a Perodua Alza along the East-West Highway. The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and assistant, as well as the driver and three passengers in the Perodua Alza.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
UPSI assures support for bus crash victims to continue studies
IPOH: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has assured that students injured in the recent road crash in Gerik, which claimed the lives of the 15 people, will not be required to defer their studies. Its vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff said the university would make all necessary academic arrangements to support the affected students and ensure they can continue their studies despite their circumstances. "For those still undergoing treatment in hospital or recovering at home, we will ensure that their examinations, assignments, and other academic requirements are fully managed. "I repeat, our goal is to ensure, as far as possible, that none of them will have to defer their semester," he said during an online meeting today. Describing the students as being in both physical pain and emotional distress, Md Amin said UPSI's flexible learning systems would allow them to keep up with their academic responsibilities without being left behind. He said the university's commitment to student welfare followed instructions from Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and echoed the decree of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, to prioritise students' well-being. "This is a trust and a responsibility. Let us help these children in their time of hardship," he said. Md Amin also called on the UPSI community to extend moral and emotional support to the affected students and staff, including providing counselling services, to ensure no one feels isolated. "These students must be given care, support, and attention. We don't want them to fail or be made to fail. "At UPSI, we place a high priority on character and values, not just academics. "Otherwise, they might ask, 'What's the point of doing good in this world if, in the end, only academics are considered?' No, at UPSI, it is manners and character," he said. He also reminded the community not to overlook the classmates and roommates of the victims, who may be grieving in silence. "Imagine a presentation group of five, now left with only three. Imagine a dorm room of four friends, now down to two, staring at an empty bed in silence. "Let this be our collective charity, our act of worship. Support these children in their time of difficulty, and may Allah bless and ease all our efforts," he said. On June 9, a bus carrying 42 UPSI students was travelling from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's main campus when it collided with a Perodua Alza at KM53 of the East-West Highway. Thirteen students died at the scene while two others were pronounced dead in hospital. On Friday, the bus driver, Mohd Amirul Fadhil Zulkifli, 39, pleaded not guilty at the Gerik Magistrate's Court to charge of dangerous driving resulting in the deaths of 15 students. (hyperlink: On Saturday, a preliminary investigation into the Gerik crash found no evidence of brake failure or mechanical malfunction. including the linings and drums on each axle were in good condition.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- The Sun
Gerik crash: UPSI sets up fund for public donations
IPOH: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has set up a special fund for public contributions following the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 15 of its students last Monday. UPSI vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, in a statement, said donations could be channelled through the Student Representative Council Fund (RHB Bank: 25807500029702) and the UPSI Prihatin Fund (Bank Islam: 08068010003264). He also expressed his appreciation to all Malaysians who had extended their sympathy and donated as a gesture of love and support for the families of the victims. 'It is only through love and a sense of humanity that we at UPSI can find the strength to face this sorrowful ordeal,' he said. Fifteen UPSI students were killed in the early hours of Monday when the bus they were travelling in overturned at KM53 of the East-West Highway (JRTB), near Tasik Banding, Gerik. UPSI has also set up an operations room to monitor all related matters and remains concerned about the welfare of its students and will provide psychological support to the victims undergoing treatment at the hospital. Meanwhile, the Perak government expressed its appreciation to all parties involved, including the medical and security teams who worked tirelessly in responding to the tragedy. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, in a statement, said the State Executive Council (MMK), which met today, also extended its appreciation to the medical teams at Gerik Hospital, Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) and Taiping Hospital. According to him, the medical teams spared no effort in saving lives and providing the best possible care to the victims. He also expressed his appreciation to the security forces, including the police, Fire and Rescue Department, and Civil Defence Force, for their swift and dedicated efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the victims. 'Not to be forgotten are the Gerik District Office, Ipoh City Council, government departments and relevant agencies that played a vital role in coordinating actions and providing logistical support, including assisting the victims' next of kin and families,' he said. Saarani also extended his gratitude to the UPSI management for their concern and swift action in addressing the welfare of the affected students as well as their next of kin and thanked non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals who came forward to offer assistance and support. He said that the contributions of all parties had enabled the remains of the victims to be brought home to their respective hometowns in an organised, respectful and seamless process. 'Hopefully, all the injured victims will recover soon, and the families who lost their loved ones will continue to be granted strength and fortitude in facing this time of grief,' he said.
