The Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) wants the owner of Menara Umno, JKP Sdn Bhd, to explain the building's design philosophy, saying that the 30-metre structure that fell off is an "extraordinary design".

azlan Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today MPPP would appoint its own independent engineer to examine the matter if JKP does not submit the report.

The MPPP, Lim said, had issued a seven-day notice to JKP, under Section 82 of the Local Government Act 1976, to repair the building, clean up debris caused by the collapse and clear structural remains that could put buildings along Jalan Macalister and users of the road at risk.

The notice also requires that the 25-metre hollow structure at the top of the building, covering the water tank, be investigated as MPPP has received complaints that it appeared to be tilting.

"There is a concrete bar and steel piece in a dangerous position that must be removed immediately," Lim told a press conference.

"MPPP has also requested the building owner to submit a safety and stability report within seven days of the letter being issued," he added.

"The letter was issued yesterday, and was also sent to the building's architect and consultant engineer.

"We need them to explain what happened and to verify the building's structural integrity on the design, construction and maintenance aspects."

The fallen structure killed two people and the body of the second person, hawker Lim Chin Aik who was trapped under, was not found in the crater debris from his car was found in, after the strong gale that hit Penang on June 6.

'Design may have caused winds to circle the area'

Accompanying Lim, who distributed copies of the notices to the media today, was state technical advisory panel member Lim Kok Khong.

Kok Khong said a preliminary initial probe conducted indicated that the design of the building may have caused the strong winds to circle the area as its wall could hold back the wind.

"We have requested the building owners to find out if they have considered this aspect," he said in his briefing.

"The party involved should know best and should be given an opportunity to look at it," added Kok Khong, a past president of the Penang Institute of Engineers.

Interestingly, the architect's website shows that the building was designed with "wind wing-walls to direct wind to a special balconies zone that serve as pockets with 'air-locks' for natural ventilation".

Penang Umno chief Zainal Abidin Osman said the party was conducting its own internal inquiry and those who are found to be negligent would face action.

NONE Lim also said that several state assemblypersons have offered financial aid amounting to RM19,000 to Chin Aik's family.

Other than Lim, Deputy Chief Minister I Rashid Hasnon, state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow (Padang Kota) and assemblypersons Chow Lau Keng Ee (Pengkalan Kota) and Teh Lai Hing (Komtar) donated the money.

Yesterday, Lim handed over RM3,000, as a personal contribution to the family of Wong Tze Chow, who died in the same freak storm, after being struck by a falling tree.

The family of Wong, a Penang Water Supply Corporation Sdn Bhd worker, was also given RM10,000 by his employer.

Lim also announced that checks would be conducted on all highrise buildings in the state, including Komtar, to ensure they are safe for the public.

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