Over 30 witnesses to help in construction site landslide probe

BUTTERWORTH: More than 30 witnesses have been called to facilitate the investigation into the landslide at the Tanjung Bungah construction site, said the Penang Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).

Its deputy director Idris Abdul Rahman said the department was in the midst of completing the investigation papers on the incident.

“We will forward it to the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers by the end of the month for it to decide on further action.

“More than 30 witnesses have been called. We have also seized vital documents from companies involved in the project,” he said during a press conference after launching the Master Builders Association Malaysia’s seminar on Occupational Safety, Health and Workshop On Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, a twoday seminar which ended yesterday.

On Oct 21, a landslide hit an affordable condominium project made up of two 49storey (50 levels) towers with 980 units in total within the Permai Village township near Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

The tragedy claimed the lives of 11 workers. Among them was site supervisor Yuan Kuok Wern, 27.

Asked whether it was a worksite accident as claimed by the Penang state government, Idris said DOSH would look into all aspects.

He said that the department would also look into whether employers and employees had adhered to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.

All parties involved including contractors, architects, consultants and the developer have been ordered to stop work after the incident and would only resume after investigations have been completed, he said.

In his speech, Idris said the construction sector contributed to the third highest number of accidents in the country with Penang record ing 19 deaths at construction sites this year.

Last year, the Human Resource Ministry through DOSH conducted 9,544 inspections on construction projects, and 12,825 corrective actions and legal actions were taken against employers for failing to comply with safety regulations.

“Exposed edges were the main offence committed, followed by poorly maintained scaffolding, uncovered potholes and workers not wearing personal protective equipment,” he said.