IPOH: What was supposed to be an exciting outing for the family members of factory worker Halim Muhamad turned out to be a tragic one instead.

Halim, who had to forego the trip to Cameron Highlands with his family, lost his father Muhamad Husain, 50, and 15-year-old stepsister Nur Syuhadah when the tour bus they were in rammed into a latex tanker at the Jelapang toll plaza yesterday.

Halim's stepmother Zurina Nayan, 47, and his stepsisters Nur Hashimah, 18, and nine-year-old Nur Aliya Syahirah were injured.

"It had been planned a week ago but I had to forego the trip because I had to work the night shift on Monday," said Halim, 34, who was at work when informed about the incident.

Zurina, who is Kubang Jawi Wanita Umno branch chief and organiser of the trip, seemed lost and kept asking about her three daughters.

Kuala Kedah Wanita Umno division chief Noorhasita Mat Isa said the remains of the deceased would be laid to rest at the Masjid Kubang Jawi cemetery in Kedah.

Family members of driver Lim Tek Lee said his remains would be taken back to Alor Janggus in Kedah to be cremated.

Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the government would give RM5,000 each to families of those who were killed and RM3,000 each to those who were injured.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said the state Umno would be giving RM1,000 each to the families of those who were killed and RM500 each to those injured.

He said the Perak government would give RM500 each to the families of those killed or injured in the incident.