MELAKA, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) extends its condolences to the family of its student, Nurul Fatehah Alya Kamaruaf’fandi, who died in a road accident on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) southbound, near Ayer Keroh, yesterday.
It said in a statement that the accident occurred while the deceased was on the way home after visiting her mother's grave in Kuala Selangor.
"The deceased was a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Science (Computer Security) with Honours at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FTMK).
"UTeM also prays that the father and family of the deceased are granted patience and strength in facing this loss," according to the statement.
UTeM, through the Student Affairs and Alumni (HEPA), also assisted in managing the remains of the deceased before it was taken for prayers to the Masjid Sayyidina Abu Bakar at UTeM, and then taken to Bagan Datuk, Perak, around 4.30 pm today for burial arrangements.
As a sign of concern, UTeM also provided a death benefit of RM2,000 to the father of the deceased.
"Additionally, the university will also assist the family in managing the student group insurance claim amounting to RM21,500 and the death benefit from the Ministry of Higher Education’s Yayasan Perkasa Siswa amounting to RM2,000, as well as completing the administrative and academic matters of the deceased that are still pending," he said.
Meanwhile, Alor Gajah district police chief Supt Ahmad Abu Bakar said the accident occurred around 6 pm yesterday involving a Honda Vario 160 motorcycle at Kilometre 211.4 of the North-South Expressway heading towards Alor Gajah.
"Preliminary investigations found that the 20-year-old motorcyclist was heading from Banting, Selangor to UTeM, before it is believed she lost control of the motorcycle, colliding into the left roadside barrier, and was subsequently thrown into the emergency lane.
"The victim suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was sent to the forensic unit of Alor Gajah Hospital for an autopsy," he also said.
He added that the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 and further investigations are still ongoing to identify the actual cause of the accident.
Members of the public who have information about the incident can contact Investigating Officer Sgt Lina Ervinna Ahmad at 011-59494816.
-- BERNAMA