SUKE accident probe findings must be made public, say safety activists

KUALA LUMPUR – The results of the investigation into the collapse at the Sg Besi-Ulu Klang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) construction site on Wednesday, in which two women were killed, should be made public.

Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the incident is of public interest, and those responsible for the tragedy must face action.

“I suggest that the results of the investigation into the incident be made public,” he told Bernama.

“This is because many times (in the past), they’ve carried out investigations, but after that, nobody knows (the results of the investigations), and people slowly forget about it until the next incident happens.

“It is important to let the authorities complete their probe, and subsequently, let the findings be made known to the public.”

The SUKE incident is a wake-up call for the construction industry to boost safety at worksites, he said.

“I am not blaming the developers, because I am not the authority. But, there have been too many accidents at construction sites in our country.

“It is affecting the confidence of the public. They have a phobia when passing through construction areas.”

Malaysian Road and Transportation Safety Association president Nik Mohd Salim Nik Mohd Salleh agrees that the results of the probe into this week’s incident must be made known to the people, and followed up with an audit to prevent a recurrence.

“The important issue is to ensure the safety of road users and (construction) workers.”

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has said it is focusing on traffic management in the probe into the incident, under Sections 34B and 34C of the CIDB Act.

The incident, which occurred about 6pm, saw a trailer hitting the iron scaffolding of an overhead bridge on the highway, resulting in the structure’s collapse.

Besides the two people who died, three others were seriously injured. – Bernama, March 5, 2021