GEORGE TOWN – The state government has yet to make any final decision on the proposed installation of safety nets along the Penang Bridge.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government had received safety net samples from several companies, but any installation requires full consent of Plus Malaysia Bhd as the operator of the iconic bridge.
“Last week, we had discussions with all parties, but there is no final decision yet.
“So we will probably have follow-up discussions in the near future (to determine whether the installation of a safety net is needed at the Penang Bridge),” he said when met by reporters today.
Earlier, Chow officiated the office of the community emergency response team by the Malaysian Civil Defence Department in Paya Terubong here.
Chow said the installation of this safety net was not a long-term solution to suicides, and all parties needed to work together to form a healthy community.
“The installation of this safety net is not a solution, because in the end these victims will also try to find a way to commit suicide elsewhere.
“What is important is to treat the three main causes of this problem, namely health, family, and finances.”
Last week, The Vibes reported that the state government will hold discussions with all stakeholders over the proposal to install a safety net along the 13.5km Penang Bridge.
State Environment and Welfare Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh had said any construction on the Penang Bridge requires the approval of the technical committee.
In May, nine cases involving jumping off the Penang Bridge were reported with five fatalities recorded. – The Vibes, June 6, 2022
