Penang to sue trailer firm over damage to iconic bridge
GEORGE TOWN: Penang is planning to initiate legal action against the company that owns the trailer responsible for damaging the Weld Quay pedestrian bridge on Wednesday.
State Local Government Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the claims would consist of losses, damages and consequential costs that the state had to bear due to the incident.
“The state views the incident seriously.
“As such, we are planning to file a negligence suit against those responsible.
“A report has been lodged by the owner of the overhead pedestrian bridge, namely the Penang Island City Council (MBPP). We hope the police will investigate the matter,” he said.
Yesterday, the pedestrian bridge was dismantled for safety reasons.
MBPP Mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said it was found to be structurally unsafe and beyond repair after the accident.
“This is a loss as it is a historical monument as well as a facility for pedestrians.”
He said the state government was working to install a zebra crossing, as well as traffic lights at the site as an immediate temporary measure.
“We will look into the possibility of constructing a new pedestrian bridge.
“But for now, it is important to install a zebra crossing first,” he said.
It was reported that police detained the trailer driver shortly after the 4.20pm incident, whose heavy vehicle got caught at the Weld Quay pedestrian bridge, badly damaging the structure.
Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Soffian Santong said the man, in his 30s, was detained for alleged reckless and dangerous driving.
He said a test conducted on the man’s urine came back negative.
The Weld Quay pedestrian bridge is one of the oldest pedestrian bridges in Penang.
It was originally built to connect pedestrians between the jetty, also known as Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda, and the George Town bus terminal, which was then located off Lebuh Victoria.