Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Said has directed the Public Works Department (JKR) to immediately investigate mosques with similar design as Masjid Binjai Kertas in Hulu Terengganu which saw part of its roof collapse on Monday night and wanted a thorough investigation to be carried out.  

Ahmad said the study needed to be carried out to determine if the collapse was due to design failure or the supplier providing sub-standard materials.

While describing the incident as avoidable, he also wanted JKR to conduct checks on several more mosques using the same design in the state to ensure they are safe for usage within two weeks.

“In this regard, an overall investigation needs to be carried out to identify the cause of the incident as the design of Kampung Binjai Kertas mosque which was build at a cost of RM1.7 million is a design model involving several other mosques in other places.

“Incidents such as this should not have happened if JKR carried out stringent monitoring on the progress of the project such as ensuring construction materials are according to specifications and the design was suitable with the project environment from time to time,” he told reporters after chairing the first state executive council meeting after the setting-up of the new state government following the 13th general election in Kuala Terengganu today.

Yesterday, newspapers reported 12 people in the village mosque were nearly killed after the roof in front of the mosque collapsed.

- Bernama