ROOF COLLAPSE: Charming Terengganu beset by construction problems
News Straits Times Online, 1 October 2013
I READ with concern about another case of a fallen roof and ceiling at the Kampung Tebauk Mosque in Bukit Tunggal, Terengganu.
In May, the roof of the Kampung Binjai Kertas Mosque in Terengganu also collapsed.
Although there were no injuries, the crux of the issue is why they collapsed.
In 2009, a major part of the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak collapsed just a year after it was opened for the Malaysia Games.
In February this year, five workers were injured while dismantling the stadium's roof after its steel supporting structure gave way.
Another issue of concern is why so many incidents happened in Trengganu, a state known for its charming landscape, but now faced with a safety problem at its construction projects.
These incidents have brought into question the subject of construction safety, which must be looked into by the authorities.
Suffice to say that the latest incident must be investigated by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health.
What comes to mind when parts of any structure collapse is the question of poor design, shoddy construction, cutting of corners and use of inferior building materials.
As such, these incidents should also be investigated by the Public Works Department and the Malay-sian Anti-Corruption Commission as the issue of integrity also comes into play.
As this is a matter of public interest, I wish to suggest to the authorities to not only conduct an investigation, but to also make public the reports.
As part of the government transformation programme, it is high time all findings be made known.
Important lessons can be learnt while those found responsible or negligent are brought to justice.
