KUALA LUMPUR – The Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma), through the Occupational Safety and Health Department (JKKP), is set to summon the operator of the skylift machinery involved in the structural collapse at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) construction site on yesterday.
Human Resources Deputy Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, confirmed that this action aims to gain a detailed explanation regarding the cause of the incident and ensure that safety protocols were adhered to during the operation.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident resulted from a collision between the skylift boom and a temporary steel canopy during a paint thickness inspection carried out by subcontractor Wuhan Construction Sdn Bhd.
The temporary steel canopy, which collapsed onto a moving car on the MRR2 highway near Batu Caves, was designed to protect the road from falling debris but was not built to withstand impact forces. The woman driving the vehicle was fortunate to survive the incident and was rescued by bystanders before being taken to the hospital for further treatment.
In a statement issued by the Selangor DOSH on November 19, it was revealed that the high-risk work had been conducted without a written permit (Work Permit) from the main contractor, China Communication Construction Sdn Bhd. Consequently, the Public Works Department (JKR) has ordered the immediate removal of any remaining steel canopy structures on-site to prevent further risk.
JKKP also took enforcement action by issuing a prohibition notice under Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, halting any further paint thickness inspections on the structure until a safe work system is established and verified by the authorities.
Visiting the site, Abdul Rahman stressed that worker and public safety must always be prioritised and should never be compromised.
He also emphasised the necessity for all contractors and subcontractors to comply with the Safety and Health (Construction Work) Regulations (Design and Management) 2024.
These regulations mandate that risk assessments begin at the design stage and continue throughout the duration of the project.
“Further investigation will continue to determine the exact cause of the incident, and appropriate action will be taken against those who fail to meet safety requirements. The Ministry remains committed to enhancing oversight on high-risk construction projects to ensure optimal safety standards are maintained,” he said.
Regarding the victim, it was reported that the woman did not sustain physical injuries but was traumatised by the incident and has been granted a three-day sick leave. – November 19, 2025