KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 23 -- The fatal express bus crash that claimed the lives of 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway (JRTB) in June last year has been confirmed to have resulted from a combination of brake failure and the driver's actions while descending.

The conclusion was disclosed in the Transport Ministry's final report, which was released after receiving Cabinet approval.

In the 188-page report, it was stated that the bus's braking system was compromised due to deformation and wear on the rear left brake drum, contamination by grease on the brake lining, and inconsistencies in the lining material composition.

"These factors reduced braking friction and accelerated the on...