THE search and rescue operation at a factory collapse site in Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas, has ended after rescuers confirmed there were no more victims buried under the rubble.
A Fire and Rescue Department spokesman, who confirmed this, said the operation ended formally around 10pm yesterday after 24 hours, during which rescuers and the public pulled several workers from the debris.
This was after the rubble was cleared and a K9 unit deployed to check for any signs of life at the site.
Checks did not reveal anything and police confirmed the number of workers present at the time of incident, which was 18, the spokesman said.
Three Bangladeshi workers were confirmed to have died.
There was some confusion over the initial death count as some workers had left the scene as they were without permits.
The spokesman said the death count was revised from four to three, while two people were in serious condition at Penang Hospital.
Out of the 18 people working at 10.30pm when the structure crumbled on Tuesday, nine were rescued. Several workers were away performing their evening prayers.
All were listed as Bangladeshi nationals.
Two of the dead were identified as Mohammad Mukades Ali and Saiful, while one has not been identified.
Those in hospital are Mahmud Ujal Mirda and Mahmud Raju Islam.
George Town Mayor and Penang Island City Council president Datuk Anthony Rajendran said a reminder was issued in September to all contractors to be extra careful during the rainy season.
Rajendran said an investigation into the building collapse has been launched.
Among initial speculations was soil erosion, which would have led to the decoupling of the foundation and caused the collapse.
The project was under the fast-track category, with completion set in December or early January.
The construction site, which belongs to a logistics operator, has been closed pending a probe by the city council and the Occupational Health and Safety Department. – The Vibes, November 30, 2023.
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