The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) has reaffirmed that a full investigation is underway following the collapse of a temporary steel canopy structure at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Section 8 construction site along the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) on Nov 18, which resulted in injuries to a female motorist.
Deputy Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said preliminary findings by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) indicated that the structure served only as temporary protection to prevent falling objects onto the road and was not designed to withstand impact or load.
He said the incident reportedly occurred when the boom of a skylift, operated by subcontractor Wuhan Construction Sdn Bhd, struck the structure during ongoing paint thickness inspection works.
“Multiple agencies, including DOSH, are conducting a comprehensive investigation. A Prohibition Notice has been issued to the main contractor, China Communication Construction Sdn Bhd, under Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994,” he told reporters after visiting the site today.
Abdul Rahman added that DOSH also discovered the high-risk task was carried out without any written work permit from the main contractor, which is now a focal point in the investigation.
Following the incident, DOSH ordered all paint thickness inspection activities to stop immediately until a verified safe work system is established. The Public Works Department (JKR) has also suspended operations of two similar steel canopy structures nearby for thorough safety inspections.
“We do not want to make premature accusations. The skylift operator will also be called in to complete the technical assessment. If negligence or a breach of safety procedures is proven, stern action including fines will be taken,” he said.
The deputy minister said the injured woman suffered trauma and has been given three days of medical leave, while her vehicle was significantly damaged in the accident.
He added that the investigation will also review the approval process for skylift use, related work procedures, and the temporary structure’s design, which should have obtained full clearance prior to use, as outlined under the Occupational Safety and Health (Construction Work) (Design and Management) Regulations 2024.
Abdul Rahman stressed that the government will not compromise on worker and public safety, adding that monitoring of high-risk construction projects will be further strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future.
-HR HUB
