THE Penang government extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the Genting van crash victims.
The Genting Highlands tour van crash has tragically claimed eight lives. The accident happened at about 1.15pm on Feb 8 when the van carrying 14 people was on its way down from Genting Highlands before it lost control, skidded and hit a road divider.
The deceased have been identified as driver Wong Choun Chiet, 49; co-driver Chang Them Kong, 70; and passengers Foong Ah Lan, 68; Lee Moy, 67; Ang Meng Hong, 62; Seow Mee Tin, 72; Wong Ah Mooi, 83; and Chew Chong Beh, 73.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed Penang’s condolences to the victims’ families when he and his team paid their last respects.
“We pray that the families will be strong to face this unfortunate incident.
“Our hearts are with all who have lost their loved ones and who got injured,” Chow said when met at the wake of one of the victims today.
The Chief Minister’s Office allocated RM2,000 for each of the victims’ families.
Chow and his team visited seven families this morning. The family of the late driver Choun Chiet was not available.
Joining Chow in paying their last respects were Chow’s political secretary Teh Lai Heng, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao-Leung, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, and Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon.
Lim said he would urge the Ministry of Transport to investigate the accident, pending the investigation by the police.
“The families of the victims asked about the investigation into the accident, and we will wait for the report by the police.
“DAP is also prepared to offer legal aid to the victims’ families if they needed it.
“It is important that we know the cause of the incident so appropriate action can be taken,” Lim, who is also the national DAP chairman, said.
Lim added that the company of the tour van has yet to meet with the victims’ families.
“We hope that the company involved can look at how it can assist the families in any way possible, or meet the families and take the necessary action,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan and Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud and Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis and Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
