Two firms fined over second Penang bridge ramp collapse - The Star Online
The Star Online, 24 December 2014 - by Cavina Lim
BALIK PULAU: The contractor responsible for the collapse of the ramp at the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge last year, which resulted in the death of a motorist and injuries to two others, has been fined RM50,000 by the Sessions Court here.
Judge Sitarun Nisa Abdul Aziz fined Cergas Murni Sdn Bhd after the company pleaded guilty to failing to carry out practical steps to ensure public safety during construction.
Former policeman Tajudin Zainal Abidin, 45, was killed in his car when the ramp at the Batu Maung Interchange collapsed at about 7pm on June 6 last year.
The incident also caused injuries to R. Thilasheni and G. Gajashaantini, both 25, who were in another car.
The court also fined construction company Giga Engineering and Construction Sdn Bhd RM35,000 after it admitted it had failed to ensure the safety of its workers during the construction of the bridge at the same time and place, resulting in injuries to foreign workers Slamet Toket and Tin Maung Lwin.
Both companies were first charged in court on Jan 22.
Company officials Chan Kah Heen, 39, who appeared on behalf of Cergas Murni, and Raub Razali, 50, a director of Giga Engineering and Construction, had claimed trial to the charges under Section 17(1) and Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994 respectively.
However, when their cases were brought up for mention yesterday, they changed their plea to guilty.
It was reported that the ramp collapsed and crushed a Perodua Kelisa, burying it under the rubble.
Tajudin’s body was found slumped over the dashboard of the car.
