240 escalators, 990 lifts in Perak inspected
IPOH: The state Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has checked 240 escalators and 993 lifts since the beginning of this year in various buildings in Perak to ensure all safety precautions are in place.
There are a total of 1,383 lifts and 408 escalators operating in buildings in the state.
Its director, Mohd Hatta Zakaria, said so far no injuries or accidents had been reported even though there was poor maintenance or lack of safety measures.
“The department had not taken action against building owners for noncompliance of safety regulations,” he told reporters after the launch of safety awareness campaign on usage of escalators at Angsana Mall yesterday.
Mohd Hatta said building owners, especially shopping complexes, will adhere to the rules and regulations since they do not want to lose business due to poor safety aspects.
“The department will hold similar campaigns twice a year to educate the public on safety measures to be taken when using escalators and lifts.
“We will identify buildings where large crowds converge,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pengkalan Hulu assemblyman Aznel Ibrahim, who launched the campaign, urged parents who bring their children to shopping complexes not to let them out of their sight.
“We have seen couples who leave their children to fend for themselves while they do their shopping.
“The children treat the escalators as a playing ground as one can see them running and coming down on the escalators.
“Any untoward incidents could happen without adults supervision,” Aznel said.
He also raised the issue of children going into lifts without being accompanied by adults.
“In case of emergency, the child would not be able to reach the relevant buttons to seek assistance,” he added.