The Penang government has proposed to form a state commission of inquiry to probe civil structures which had caused loss of lives and properties, especially in the last two weeks.

 Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state executive council which met today, decided to set it up based on Section 2 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act.

azlan "The commission will probe into the causes of the incidents and whether the structures had obtained the necessary approvals," said Guan Eng, in a press conference today.

"Those found negligent will be punished accordingly, whether they are from departments involved or owners of the structures.

"We are proposing these steps so that incidents like these will not happen in the future," he stressed.

The commission will probe the collapse of the ramp of the second Penang bridge along Batu Maung on June 6 which killed one former policeman, Tajuddin Zainal Abidin, 45.

It will also probe into the fall of the lightning arrestor from Menara Umno along Jalan Macalister last Thursday when strong winds hit Penang, causing several injuries and damage to properties.

Its impact killed lorry driver Jahir Hussain Sulaiman, 46, while hawker Lim Chin Aik, 44, is believed to be buried in the crater caused by its fall.

At the press conference, the family of Lim Chin Aik, was present.

A video clip of the structure falling on Honda Civic was also shown.

The 34 second CCTV footage showed  a tour bus and a white vehicle passing by before the arrestor struck Chin Aik's car.

His mother cried out at this point.

 Family consoled

Guan Eng later consoled the family, especially Chin Aik's dad who also seen crying.

NONE Chin Aik's wife, Lee Chai Song, did not attend the briefing as she "could not bear to see what happened," said Guan Eng.

The Penang chief minister added that ongoing probes by other quarters like the police and relevant authorities might overlap but would not interfere with the proceedings.

When asked about the powers of the commission, Lim said "the recommendations of the state government will be taken seriously and adopted if necessary".

He added that internal inquiries conducted by the state alone may give rise to perception of "doubts and suspicions" and may affect public confidence.

"The members of the commission will be announced later but it would be an independent inquiry led by experts and professionals," Lim said.

"We want the public to know the truth and nothing but the truth," he added.

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