Action once fire report is ready
New Straits Times Online, 17 February 2014
HOSPITAL BLAZE: Govt agencies are monitoring the case, says Fadillah
KUCHING: THE government will decide on what action will be taken against the contractor who is allegedly responsible for a fire at Sarawak General Hospital on Saturday once the authorities complete their investigation.
Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof said they would have to wait for the Fire and Rescue Department to complete their investigation and submit the report to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health before taking action against the contractor.
"The Public Works Department has also set up its own investigation unit to monitor the case, while the Construction Industry Development Board would have the power to revoke the contractor's licence.
"However, the case is still at an early stage of investigation."
He said this after visiting the scene of the incident here yesterday.
On Saturday, a fire broke out in the hospital compound, leaving a construction worker dead and forcing the evacuation of 151 patients.
It was alleged that welding sparks at the lower ground floor of a new wing under construction had triggered the blaze.
Fadillah said the RM35 million project, due for completion in March, might be delayed as a result.
Meanwhile, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim said the incident had drawn the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
"The prime minister had expressed his concern and wanted to know more about the condition of the patients and caregivers," she said after visiting patients in the hospital yesterday.
"Although some patients had to be placed in the corridors and lobby, everything is under control.
"The management has managed the situation well."
Rohani said the staff remained professional throughout the emergency and she praised them for their efficiency.
