Fatal Concrete Collapse Halts Penang Construction Site
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- All construction work at a building site in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, has been ordered to stop immediately following a fatal accident.
- A construction worker died after being hit by falling concrete during renovation work.
- The Department of Occupational Safety and Health is investigating the incident and reminding employers to conduct risk assessments and ensure safe work practices.
All construction activities at a building site in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, have been halted immediately after a fatal accident occurred. The incident, which claimed the life of an Indonesian worker, involved falling concrete during renovation work.
The involved worker was using demolition equipment to break down a wall structure when the wall collapsed and hit the victim.
According to a spokesperson for the Penang Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP), witnesses and employer representatives have been interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that the contractor was carrying out demolition and interior renovation work when the structure collapsed, striking the victim.
The investigation is being conducted under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 to determine the cause of the collapse and any potential breaches of safety regulations. JKKP emphasized the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments before commencing demolition work and ensuring effective supervision to prevent serious injuries or fatalities.
All employers, contractors, and those in control of workplaces are reminded to always conduct adequate risk assessments before starting any demolition work.
The department reiterated its commitment to enforcing occupational safety and health standards to protect workers across the country. The victim, identified as 27-year-old Marzuki, was reportedly pulled from the debris by bystanders before emergency services arrived. He was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe injuries.
At the same time, they must also ensure safe work methods are implemented and effective supervision is provided to prevent accidents that could result in serious injury or death.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.