The commission of inquiry into the failure of certain civil structures in Penang will hold public hearings over two days next week on Oct 11 and 12.

The commission, gazetted yesterday following the advice of Penang governor Abdul Rahman Abbas, will meet at Mahkamah Teknologi, High Court building, George Town.

penang second bridge collape 060613 01A statement issued by the commission's secretary Ng Wee Kok said it will look into the failure of the structure of a section of the ramp leading to the Second Bridge, which collapsed on June 6, claiming one life.

The commission will also investigate the failure of a structure at Menara Umno, Jalan Macalister, on June 13, which fell when violent storms hit Penang, killing two.

NONEHawker Lim Chin Aik is believed to have been buried after the building's 38-metre lightning arrestor crushed the car he was driving - a horrific incident captured by CCTV.

The force of the impact on the car was so great that his body was never found and an inquiry is currently being held into his death so that the National Registration Department can issue his family a death certificate to help with insurance claims.

Ex-Bar Council chief to head commission

Set under the Commission of Enquiry Act 1950, the body's appointed commissioners include former KL Bar Council chief Yeo Yang Poh as chairperson as well as engineers Roslan Hashim and Gue See Sew.

Ng said the public is welcome to attend the hearings.

"Any person who is an interested party in relation to any of the said two incidents may attend the hearings by himself/herself or by legal counsel, and seek permission to participate in the proceedings."

He also requested anyone with any useful information or documents on the two incidents to contact the commission's conducting officer, Mr Mureli (04-2618030, during office hours).