KUCHING, Dec 5: Works Minister Baru Bian has called on the Department of Safety and Health and the relevant authorities to conduct their investigations into the deadly explosion in CityOne Megamall swiftly.
He said this needed to be done to ascertain whether there was any violation of safety procedures and that remedial measures be taken immediately.
“As investigations are still being carried out, I do not wish to comment on the cause and responsibility issues except to say that in carrying out building work such as construction and renovations, contractors must ensure that the workers are properly trained and certified.
“In this regard, the Construction Industry Development Board’s Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM) is able to contribute,” said Baru, who is Selangau MP and Ba’kelalan assemblyman, in a statement today.
The ABM offers many courses on vocational and technical skills, and he encouraged youths and workers to enrol in these programmes to upgrade their skills.
He also encouraged contractors to send their workers for such training so that “we can improve the skill levels of our workers and lift the standard of our construction industry”.
Baru said he was shocked and saddened to hear about the death of three individuals and injury to over 40 people in the explosion at the shopping mall yesterday afternoon.
“I wish to commend the rescue services and members of the public for their prompt action in helping those who were injured and trapped in the rubble after the explosion.
“It is heartening that members of the public put aside their concern for themselves to tend to the injured before the rescue teams arrived,” he said. — DayakDaily
