THE Penang government will wait for the report on the Bukit Kukus landslide from the Department of Safety and Occupational Health (DOSH) before deciding on the appropriate action to be taken.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this when asked by reporters after attending the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) Chinese New Year open house at the PDC building in Bayan Baru today.
The special committee, set up by the state government to probe into the matter, found the main contractor, consultant engineer, independent checking engineer and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to have shortcomings that led to the landslide. Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman revealed its findings to the media yesterday.
The landslide on Oct 19 last year killed nine foreign workers and injured four.
“Even before the project started, the Penang Island City Council had asked the main contractor to hire a resident engineer and an independent checking engineer to monitor the project,” Chow said.
“They are paid by MBPP to act on its behalf. MBPP appointed them because it knew that it is a big project and the council does not have the capacity to monitor it.
“So, we leave it to DOSH to come out with their report and then the state executive council will take the necessary action.
“At the moment, we are holding the contractor, resident engineer, independent checking engineer and consultant responsible.”
On Jan 28, DOSH and MBPP lifted the stop-work order for the main contractor, Yuta Maju Sdn Bhd, to continue with the RM545.6 million Bukit Kukus paired roads project.
The project is about 75% complete and its completion date is now extended to May 2020. It was originally scheduled to be completed last month.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud