‘Girl’s death not due to structural failure’

PETALING JAYA: The death of a three-year-old who fell from the 17th floor of the the People’s Housing Project (PPR) in Kota Damansara here was not due to structural failure of the building, says Perumahan dan Hartanah Selangor Sdn Bhd (PHSSB).

In a statement, its acting general manager Wan Mohd Fadzli Mohd Yusoff said the incident was not caused by building failure or management carelessness.

He said PHSSB took over the management of the flats from the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) in May this year.

He said since then, PHSSB had undertaken many repair and upgrading works of the building.

“When we took over the flats, it was in a horrible state, dirty and it had a lot of damage.

“We took steps to repair and upgrade the facilities and improve the maintenance of the PPR to enhance the safety and comfort of the residents,” he said.

Among the repair and upgrading works undertaken at the PPR were repairing the lifts and corridor lights, as well as adding extra rods to the railings so that the space between the rods were smaller thus increasing its safety.

“All these were done for the convenience of the residents, with guidance from state leaders and PHSSB, who are concerned with issues related to public housing.

“We urge residents to avoid leaving children in their houses without adult supervision and to take necessary steps for their family’s safety,” he said here yesterday.

He was responding to The Star report on Sept 14 which quoted a resident as claiming that the balcony’s rusted metal railing might have caused the girl to fall to her death.

Siti Nur Nadhirah Hairul Anuar was said to have climbed up a plastic chair before she fell over the balcony railing at 7am.