A Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) graduate has lost both her parents in a road accident along the East-West Highway in Gerik, Perak, just one day before she was due to attend her convocation ceremony.
In a statement on Monday, UMK expressed its deepest condolences to Husna Syakira Abd Halim over the tragedy.
Upon receiving news of the incident, the university immediately mobilised officers from its Student Welfare Division, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Office for Student Affairs and Alumni (HEPA), representatives of the Student Representative Council (MPP), as well as a psychology officer to Gerik Hospital.
UMK said the team was sent to provide welfare support, assist with documentation and coordinate the family’s immediate needs.
The university also arranged a funeral van to transport the bodies of Husna Syakira’s parents back to the family’s official residence.
The victims were identified as Abd Halim Bakar, 64, and his wife, Siti Sara Abd Rahman, 58. Both died in the crash, while their 28-year-old son, Mohamad Syazwan Hakimi, sustained serious injuries.
Husna Syakira, who is from Kedah, was scheduled to receive her degree at UMK’s 16th Convocation Ceremony in Bachok. However, she will be unable to attend following the tragedy.
She is a prospective graduate of the Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business (FKP), having completed a Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (Logistics and Distributive Trade) with Honours.
The bodies of her parents remain at Gerik Hospital for post-mortem examinations before being taken directly to the cemetery for burial once the procedures are completed.
The accident occurred at approximately 1.40pm on Monday, when the family’s Perodua Alza, carrying the three family members, collided with a tour bus shortly after the Banjaran Titiwangsa Rest and Recreation (R&R) area while travelling towards Gerik.
The family was reportedly on its way to Kelantan for Husna Syakira’s convocation ceremony when the crash happened.
UMK assured that it would continue providing appropriate assistance to the family, including welfare support and other necessary arrangements, while ensuring Husna Syakira’s well-being receives continued attention.
