By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Sept 23: Two sub-contractors were charged in two different Sessions Court here today in relation to the fatal CityONE megamall blast that happened on Dec 4, 2018.
In the first case, Sessions Court Judge Mohd Taufik Mohd Yusoff ordered prosecuting officer Wilson Lee to discuss the charge with the DPP and draft a proper charge as the charge against gas contractor Sin Nyen Electronic Electrical was not clear.
The judge allowed the accused to be released on court bail of RM10,000 with two sureties. Pre-trial case management is fixed for October 23.
However, the prosecuting officer insisted the accused’s plea to be taken and the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge framed.
The amended charge sheet today only stated that the accused as an employer had failed to provide supervision as necessary to ensure the safety and health at work of its employees while carrying pipeline installation and testing work at the CityONE megamall, on Dec 4, 2018.
Judge Mohd Taufik had asked about the names of employees hurt in the incident, which the prosecuting officer failed to provide. The judge asked for a proper charge to be drafted and fixed October 23 for pre-trial case management.
The charge is framed under Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 and punishable under Section 19 of the same Act which carries a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both, upon conviction..
Sin Nyen Electronic Electrical is represented by counsel Siew Chen Fui.
Meanwhile, Sessions Court Judge Marutin Pagan who is overseeing the second case involving sub-contractor Chia Yit Siong is away. The case was adjourned to October 8 for mention.
Chia is represented by counsel Voon Lee Shan. — DayakDaily
