Part of the front portion ceiling of the dermatology clinic at the Specialist Clinic Complex, Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh came crashing down at about 6am today.

However, no casualties were reported in the incident which discovered by a security guard. Twenty ceiling boards fell to the floor.  

According to state Health, Local Government, Consumer Affairs, Environment, Public Transport and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairperson Dr Mah Hang Soon, the ceiling could not support the weight of a PVC pipe containing telephone and ICT cables.

“The hospital had requested for the ceiling to be restored and repair works are expected to be completed this evening. The costs would be borne by the hospital, which will also inspect other parts to avoid a similar incident,” he told reporters while visiting the hospital today.

The complex was completed in 1994 and has been providing specialist medical services for 18 years.

“Even though the complex is already 18 years old, the incident should not have happened,” Mah said.

Meanwhile, a maintenance staff member at the hospital, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the PVC pipe should have been installed using the trunking system.

“This is because the system can accommodate more cables on a large scale installation, or the contractor should have used a bracket to ensure that the ceiling does not have to fully support the pipe load,” he said.

- Bernama