The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has immediately suspended the public service vehicle (PSV) licence of the bus driver involved in the fatal Gerik highway crash that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students.

JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the suspension, under Section 56(4) of the Road Transport Act 1987, will remain in effect during the ongoing investigation. An investigation paper has also been opened against the bus operator and the permit holder.

He stressed that JPJ will not compromise on any violations endangering public safety.

The June 9 crash occurred on the East-West Highway in Gerik, involving a chartered bus carrying students from Jertih to UPSI’s main campus in Tanjung Malim. Fifteen students died, and 33 others—including the bus driver, conductor, and four people in a Perodua Alza—were injured.