THE Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Penang branch is sending two engineers to be the members of the special committee set up by the state government to investigate the landslide at Bukit Kukus.
IEM Penang branch named its chairman Ting Chek Choon and its in-coming chairman Yau Ann Nian as the representatives to assist the state’s special committee.
The state executive council members had agreed on Oct 24 to set up the special committee to investigate the cause of the fatal landslide at the construction site.
The special committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, will also identify those who are responsible for the incident.
Other members in the committee include state Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and an engineer from the State Secretary Office.
Chow had said on Oct 24 that the special committee would bring to the attention of the respective professional bodies if they found any ‘professional negligence’.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow thanked IEM Penang branch for accepting the state’s invitation to be in the special committee.
“We hope that this committee will be able to investigate and identify the cause of the landslide and those responsible for it.
“This is an internal investigation. It is not the same as the investigation by the Commission of Inquiry.
“Nevertheless, we will consider the request by Penang Forum,” he told a press conference during the opening of the new IEM Penang branch office at E-gate Penang on Oct 26.
Penang Forum had demanded the authorities to include at least two members of Penang Forum to sit on any state or Federal committee who are investigating the Bukit Kukus incident.
The non-governmental organisation also wanted minutes and notes of the investigation to be made public.
Meanwhile, IEM Penang branch has successfully opened its new office at E-Gate Penang to provide better service to its members, affiliates and engineering fraternity.
“The state is looking forward to greater collaborations with IEM Penang branch. I strongly believe that IEM Penang Branch will continue to advance,” Chow said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi