School bus driver's usual drop-off questioned after boy's death

A family in Kluang is grappling with the tragic death of a seven-year-old boy, Muhammad Umar Mohd. Faaiz, who was struck and killed by a school bus near his home. The incident has left relatives questioning the bus driver's actions, particularly why the child was dropped off at a junction instead of directly in front of his house, a routine practice.

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I did not expect this to happen because all this time he would get off in front of the house. That's why I'm not sure why yesterday he was dropped off at the three-way junction.

Khairul Annuar Salim, the boy's uncle, expressed his disbelief and sorrow. He stated that Muhammad Umar had used the same school bus service since the beginning of the school year and was always dropped off at their home on Jalan Bunga Raya 3, Taman Sri Lalang. The location of the accident, a three-way intersection, was only about 100 meters from the family's residence.

According to Khairul Annuar, the bus driver had reportedly ensured the child crossed the road safely from the rear of the bus. However, the family remains unsure how Muhammad Umar ended up on the side of the bus, leading to the fatal collision. The boy, who lived with his grandparents as his parents worked elsewhere, was the eldest of three siblings.

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However, we do not know how the victim suddenly ended up on the side of the bus and was hit before falling onto the road.

Kluang District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Bahrin Mohd. Noh, confirmed that the accident occurred around 4:20 p.m. as the child was heading home after disembarking. The bus, driven by a 36-year-old woman, proceeded forward and then turned left. The driver, police stated, apparently did not realize the child was still near the vehicle when the collision happened.

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The driver is believed to not have realized the child was still near the vehicle until the collision occurred.