GERIK, June 12 -- Transport Minister Anthony Loke has cautioned the bus driver involved in the fatal crash that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students here against making unverified claims about the vehicle's condition.

The Star Online reported Loke as saying, the driver's statement that the bus's brakes had failed was yet to be confirmed through technical inspection by Puspakom.

"I'm not sure if the driver made the claim to protect himself, but it cannot be taken at face value," Loke reportedly told reporters after visiting the crash site and inspecting the vehicle at the Gerik district police headquarters today.

"I want to remind the driver not to say things that may not be true. These matters can be verified th...