SUKE tragedy: Use full force of the law, says Lam Thye

 

The authorities should not hesitate to use the full force of the law if the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) construction site tragedy in Alam Damai, Cheras had resulted from negligence. - Bernama pic

KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities should not hesitate to use the full force of the law if the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) construction site tragedy in Alam Damai, Cheras had resulted from negligence.

Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, commenting on the incident where three construction workers died after a gantry crane compartment collapsed at the construction site, said it was crucial for the authorities to establish who was responsible for the tragedy as it involves not just lives but also public trust.

"The authorities have to investigate the cause and determine who is responsible. Overall, the contractor is in charge of ensuring safety.

"At the same time, the authorities should also investigate whether there was negligence. If this is proven, then the full force of the law should be brought down on the perpetrator.

"Those proven negligent should be brought to justice… let the court decide what action should be taken against them. The punishment should commensurate with the offence committed. A severe offence deserves a severe punishment," he said.

Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. - NSTP file pic

Meanwhile, Lee also urged the government to engage the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to restore public confidence in construction industry safety.

"I think it is time for the government to really do more to restore public confidence in safety of our construction industry. This is key as public confidence has shattered.

"The government has to sit down with CIDB, the main player of the construction industry to do more to save lives, not only for the workers but the public as a whole.

"To all those involved in the construction industry, my advice to them is that they must not pay lip service to safety.

"Now and then, people talk about safety but often times it is only lip service. They don't really put into practice all the standard operating procedures. Also, sometimes they want to speed up the project and that is when something can happen," he said. - NST