DPM Zahid expresses grief over Kuala Krai mishap

“I am upset over the incident involving the seven tahfiz students.”

This was expressed by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi following the accident that claimed the lives of seven tahfiz students from Maahad Tahfiz Al-Hashimi at Kampung Telekong near Kuala Krai-Kota Bharu here today.

Ahmad Zahid has also urged the management of tahfiz schools to abide by the standards to avoid any untoward incidents to occur in the future.

READ: Kuala Krai mishap: 'No one expected the incident to happen' - Tahfiz school principal

READ: Kuala Krai crash: List of those killed in accident

READ: Seven tahfiz students killed in Kuala Krai accident

Such incident could have been avoided if the standards were closely observed.

“I appreciate the efforts by an individuals or organisations to implement the teachings of huzzaf or tahfiz, but we cannot afford to compromise safety, welfare as well as the minimum requirement or basic necessities to ensure the safety of these pupils were given utmost priority.

“My grief is not just feelings, I have my own school and I hope this will be a good lesson for other school operators to avoid any accidents.

“Accidents are bound to happen, but they can be avoided if we set a set of standards for vehicles belonging to these schools,” he added.

Ahmad Zahid also reminded all principals that the lives and safety of their students are not to be compromised.

Ahmad Zahid told a press conference after a programme organised by the Home Affairs Ministry (State Level) at Tengku Ampuan Afzan mosque, Indera Mahkota in Kuantan, Pahang.

The event saw Ahmad Zahid distributing contributions to 100 disabled individuals.

The accident which occurred at 9.40am, claimed the lives of seven tahfiz students from Tahfiz Al-Hashimi when their van skidded into a ditch and rammed into a house in Kampung Telekong, Kuala Krai-Kota Bharu today.

Seven others sustained injuries and being treated at the Kuala Krai Hospital