By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, Feb 18: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is planning a thorough structural assessment of older buildings in the town following the recent collapse of eight shoplot units on Jalan Pahlawan.
In a TVS news, SMC chairman Clarence Ting emphasised that public safety is the top priority, and the affected building remains unsafe for entry.
“The building is currently unstable and not safe. No one is allowed to enter the area at this time,” he said during a Chinese New Year visit at his residence on Tuesday (Feb 17).
Ting noted that a meeting chaired by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, was held on the day of the incident.
He added that further updates will be provided after Feb 23, pending the assessment and recommendations of the Public Works Department (JKR).
“For the safety of the public, a study is necessary. But for now, the focus is on the affected units,” he said.
He clarified that no structural damage has been detected in the surrounding shoplots, but the entire block has been closed as a precaution.
“There are no signs of stress in the other units. Only the eight affected units are compromised. However, the entire block remains off-limits, as any movement could be risky,” Ting explained.
He also urged all shoplot owners in the affected block to contact SMC immediately to facilitate further action.
“If the building is declared unsafe, owners must demolish it promptly. This is private property, not government-owned,” he said.
Last Friday (Feb 13), firefighters responded to a call at 2.46am whereby the corner of a shophouse unit block at Jalan Pahlawan had collapsed. No victims were reported in the incident. — DayakDaily
