Highlighting an urgent need for quicker response times in emergencies, Fathul said the proposed set-up should include a clinic, along with ambulance services, police, fire and rescue personnel, the Civil Defence Force, and the People’s Volunteer Corps or Rela.

“The presence of a dedicated response team equipped with emergency medical capabilities, technical assistance, and logistical support is crucial in providing early aid to accident victims,” he said in a statement.

“This team must be permanently stationed at Pulau Banding to avoid having to wait for rescue units from Gerik or Jeli, which can take 45 minutes to an hour or more to arrive,” he said, commenting on yesterday’s accident.

In the early morning incident, a multi-purpose vehicle was hit by the bus, carrying students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, as the vehicles were going downhill on the highway.

Fathul also urged the government to consider upgrading the East-West Highway, saying that the road, constructed in 1967, was outdated and in poor condition.

“The road must be rebuilt with modern materials and design, widened, equipped with proper lighting, and more effective road markings and signage, especially considering that the route passes through the Royal Belum forest reserve,” he said.

He added that any redevelopment of the road must factor in the presence of wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and buffalo.

“We must consider constructing underpasses, overpasses or elevated roads like the Rawang Bypass. There are many international projects that can serve as references,” he said.