EDITOR'S NOTE: Edited to clarify that neither MRCB Builders nor Makna Setia were involved in the construction of the segment at which yesterday's (March 22) accident occurred.
Several DAP lawmakers have urged the government to order the entire Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang (Suke) Expressway project to halt immediately.
They also want an independent investigation into why three accidents have happened in the span of six months, leaving five dead.
The MPs further questioned if Works Minister Fadillah Yusof was “protecting” Suke’s contractors by saying they were in compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) before a full investigation was completed.
Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai held a press conference after meeting Prolintas Sdn Bhd representatives at the site where three were killed yesterday after a Suke construction crane collapsed.
“We were told that only the section where the tragedy happened yesterday was issued a stop-work order.
“We want the minister (Fadillah) to immediately issue a stop-work order for the whole length of the highway (construction) to ensure public safety. Because public safety is something that cannot be compromised,” he said.
Tan also urged Putrajaya to emulate the Penang government’s move of holding commissions of inquiry into construction accidents.
“An internal investigation must be done by an independent panel. No bias,” he added.
MP has suspicions
Also at the scene was Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming who raised suspicion over a statement made by Fadillah several hours after the latest accident occurred.
“Maybe Fadillah is a very efficient person but I have some suspicions. How can preliminary investigations be done so quickly and find no fault in the contractors?
“Maybe later the findings will be changed.
“But why is he so excited or so confident of wanting to go and protect the contractor? This is something I don’t understand,” he said.
Fadillah reportedly said yesterday “initial investigations” found that the Suke project contractor “had complied with the stipulated SOPs”.
An investigation by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and the Fire and Rescue Department is underway.
In a previous incident in September 2020, a concrete slab fell and smashed into a vehicle below, injuring the driver. Following that incident, one of Suke’s contractors, MRCB Builders Sdn Bhd, and subcontractor Makna Setia Sdn Bhd were later fined RM180,000 for failing to ensure safety.
Earlier this month, a trailer crashed into metal scaffolding at the Suke site and caused an unfinished bridge to collapse onto a moving van. Two died, and three were injured.
CIDB launched an investigation, but the findings have yet to be released.
Yesterday, a Suke construction crane launcher collapsed onto a car 120 feet (36.5 metres) below. Three construction workers - all China nationals - were killed. The car’s driver, a Malaysian, was severely injured.
One of the dead workers remains trapped at the site, and the rescue operation is ongoing. Traffic has been diverted.
Among Suke’s subcontractors are Beijing-based China Communications Construction Co Ltd (CCCC), Jetson Construction Sdn Bhd, Econpile Holdings Bhd and Zelan Bhd.
MPs ask for updates
Aside from Tan and Ong, also present during the briefing and press conference were Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun, Balakong assemblyperson Wong Siew Ki, Dusun Tua assemblyperson Edry Faizal Eddy Yusof and Teratai assemblyperson Bryan Lai.
Ong requested Prolintas to personally update resident associations and local representatives about the project, especially those whose constituencies were affected.
He was disappointed when a Prolintas officer suggested they check Suke’s social media accounts for updates instead.
“That is not what I wanted. I wanted a detailed briefing,” he told the media.
- Mkini
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