By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 4: Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei will raise the issue of work and operational safety and security with the Ministry of Human Resources, following a deadly explosion at a soon-to-be-opened food outlet in CityOne Megamall this afternoon.
“I will bring this issue up to Minister M Kulasegaran, urging him to look into this matter. The safety precautions and also guidelines (to ensure a safe work environment) for all workers should be enhanced,” he told reporters who had gathered outside the mall this evening.
“There should be a set of rules and guidelines for employers to comply with, including maximum load and the attire of workers (for instance).”
On the explosion, Wong said the authorities on site had informed that the cause was due to a gas leak at a fried chicken restaurant on the ground floor, which was scheduled to hold its soft opening tomorrow.
“It is unfortunate that this happened as they were rushing to inspect the setting up of the place for the opening tomorrow,” he said.
Three people were killed and 25 were injured — 4 seriously — in the explosion.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak, the three who died were crushed by collapsed structures and objects. Two were employees of the newly renovated food outlet and the other was a maintenance personnel of the mall.
They have been identified as Chin Hsien Loong, 29, from Butterworth, Penang, and locals Tchee Kiam Jong, 24, and O Kui Lim, 49.
Meanwhile, CityONE Megamall has been closed until further notice. — DayakDaily
