Safety review of highway construction
KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) are carrying out safety reviews, including assessing the implementation of responsibilities at all levels, following the parapet wall slab accident at the Sungai Besi-Ulu Klang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) construction site.
Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, in issuing a warning to all parties involved in construction, said all quarters must comply with all processes, procedures, specifications and the contract set at the construction site without compromise.
“The parapet wall slab, which fell onto a moving car, could have been avoided if all parties involved adhered to the correct work and procedure systems based on the approved guidelines, and must abide by the specifications and contract.
“LLM and the ministry are conducting safety checks and reviewing the implementation of responsibilities at all levels, whether in monitoring, quality, design and work methodology,” he said yesterday.
He added that LLM and Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas) must review the most appropriate design methods involving structures to minimise risk to the public and employees.
Fadillah also said the monitoring and work methods of consultants and contractors must be re-examined.
He also urged for a comprehensive study to be conducted by experienced experts to achieve the best design, which would minimise risks during construction involving traffic routes on existing roads. Developers and contractors, meanwhile, had been ordered to take action to alleviate the burden and stress faced by the victim of the incident and her family, he added.
“LLM and Prolintas have been told to reassess the design and construction involving risks to the public before work on the SUKE and the Damansara-Shah Alam Highway can continue.
“The government will refer to consultants from the Board of
Engineers Malaysia if any elements of negligence in terms of site design and monitoring are found.
“Strict action will be taken to negligent individuals during the construction,” he added.
Fadillah expressed regret over
the incident and said his ministry would not compromise on public safety.
The Department of Occupational Safety and Health has issued an immediate stop-work order on the installation of parapet walls at the SUKE project.