The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) should speed up its investigations into the collapse of the Umno building tower in Penang by next week, the state Government said today.
"I have been informed that DOSH is conducting a similar inquiry into the collapse of the Penang UMNO tower building that happened exactly one week after the collapse of the ramp of the Second Penang Bridge," Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said in a statement.
"As there is only a week difference between both tragedies, DOSH should be able to complete investigations into the cause of the collapse of the UMNO building tower by next week."
Last week, DOSH director-general Datuk Dr Johari Basri said that DOSH’s investigations into the collapse of the second Penang Bridge ramp had indicated "shortcomings" due to negligence by the contractor, involving both "procedural and technical" aspects.
He also confirmed that the department was preparing to press charges against the contractor, pending consent from the public prosecutor.
Former policeman Tajudi Zainal Abidin, 45, was killed when a ramp connected to the bridge collapsed, crushing his vehicle.
Following the June 6 incident, the Penang Municipal Council had issued a stop-work order until a full safety audit was conducted and structural safety and stability was assured.
The Penang government is also planning its own inquiry into both accidents.
It is forming its own independent panel with former Bar Council president Yeo Yang Poh leading it.
Guan Eng will reveal the panel's scope this week.
The construction of the 24-km second bridge began in November 2008 and is estimated to cost RM3 billion.
Guan Eng also said today the Penang state Government would not be authorising permits for any events or activities to be held on the second bridge, pending the all-clear.
"The Penang International Bridge Marathon in November this year, which was slated to be held for the first time on the Second Penang Bridge, will be moved back to the first Penang Bridge." This bridge was developed by the previous Barisan Nasional government of Penang.
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