By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 7: The Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR Sarawak) has found three building units on Jalan Padungan here to be structurally unsafe for occupancy following a preliminary inspection, prompting the department to propose random checks on ageing buildings to prevent similar risks elsewhere.
JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris said the findings, made during an urgent site visit, indicate serious structural issues that warrant immediate concern.
“We have concluded that the first three units are not safe at the moment. We are still investigating the rest of the building,” he said during a press conference held today by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) in response to the collapse of the front portion of a second-storey wall at a shoplot on Jalan Padungan early yesterday morning (April 6).
Cassidy added that poorly maintained or modified older buildings may be vulnerable to similar issues and suggested that authorities consider implementing regular audits.
“Why not have something like random checking on old buildings? If we don’t maintain them, they won’t last 100 years,” he said.
The full investigation is expected to be completed by the end of the week, with a report to be submitted to MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
In light of the findings, Cassidy issued a reminder to developers and building owners to prioritise quality in both construction and materials.
“This is what has caused building collapses in other countries. We must not repeat those mistakes,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak Branch chairperson Ir Dr Angelia Liew said the forensic and structural teams had found indications that material fatigue may have caused the collapse.
She said an immediate structural analysis will be conducted within one or two days as a precautionary measure to prevent further collapse.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), in a statement issued yesterday, said it received a distress call at 6.23am and immediately dispatched firefighters from the Padungan station.
“However, no victims were reported injured in this incident. The Padungan Fire and Rescue Department (BBP) team, who arrived at the scene promptly, found that the building’s wall had cracked and collapsed,” it said.
Occupants of the building and its neighbouring unit were immediately evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Firefighters also cordoned off the area with hazard warning tape to prevent any further untoward incidents.
Also present at the press conference were Wee and other officials. — DayakDaily
