KUALA LUMPUR: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) has denied organising the motorcycle convoy that led to a fatal crash along the North-South Expressway involving 16 students from its affiliated institutions.

In a statement today, Mara said the ride was not an official event under any of its institutions, but rather a casual initiative planned by the students themselves.

"Based on preliminary investigations, the convoy was an informal activity casually organised by the students through discussions in a WhatsApp group, without any official involvement from the institutions or Mara," it said.

The crash occurred at about 2.30am at KM262.5 northbound, when the group of motorcyclists was en route to Kuala Lumpur from Senawang.

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Three students from Kolej Poly-Tech Mara (KPTM) Bangi died in the incident, while nine others sustained injuries and received treatment at Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital in Seremban. Three students escaped unharmed.

Mara also confirmed that one student from the German-Malaysian Institute (GMI) sustained minor injuries and is currently being treated at the same hospital.

The three deceased students were identified as Haris Azib Sulaiman, Afkar Fitri Affendi, and Aliff Syahmi Abdul Hakim. Their remains have been sent to their respective hometowns.

Mara said it has channelled RM1,500 in condolence aid to each bereaved family and is processing insurance claims of up to RM38,000 per victim, subject to policy terms.

The agency expressed its sorrow over the tragedy and pledged continued support, including emotional and psychosocial assistance for affected families and students.

"Mara urges all parties to allow the authorities to carry out a thorough and professional investigation.

"At the same time, Mara will continue to work closely with the educational institutions involved and the relevant agencies to ensure that follow-up actions are taken in a responsible, transparent and compassionate manner," it said.

Earlier, Seremban police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Hatta Che Din said early investigations revealed the group had been travelling in the middle and right lanes of the highway when three motorcycles at the front collided.

The impact caused the riders to fall onto the road, triggering a domino effect as 12 motorcycles behind crashed into them.