GEORGE TOWN – The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has called for the immediate setting up of a commission of inquiry to investigate the collapse of an under-construction logistics warehouse in Bayan Lepas, Penang on Tuesday night.
Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said that CAP also wants the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the accident in the Batu Maung neighbourhood.
“The Penang Island City Council, the Construction Industry Development Board and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health should thoroughly investigate the incident, and take strict action against those responsible for the accident,” he said in a statement today.
Given the proximity of the incident site to the beach, which is composed of sand and gravel, Mohideen emphasised that any structure built in the area must be completely safe.
He called for all safety measures to be considered, especially geological studies.
In the 9.58pm incident on Tuesday, three Bangladeshi workers were killed and another two, who were critically injured, are receiving treatment at Penang Hospital.
Mohideen also cited two major incidents in the past, namely the collapse of the scaffolding on the Penang Second Bridge, and the collapse of the wall fins in a 21-storey building, where the commission of inquiry established by the Penang government found incompetence and negligence.
He added that such an incident should be given attention because it involves many parties, in addition to involving the lives of workers.
“Firm action taken can send a message to construction companies that the law must be obeyed at all times, and that the owner of the premises must be responsible for accidents which occur,” he said. – November 30, 2023