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Minister: Developer will be punished if Penang landslide due to negligence

All sectors involved in any construction project must adhere to standard operating procedures to avoid a recurrence of yesterday’s landslide at Bukit Kukus, Paya Terubong, Penang, said Works Minister Baru Bian.

He said investigations were ongoing to determine the actual cause of the incident, which claimed the lives of four foreign workers so far.

“If it is found that the landslide was due to negligence on the contractor’s side, then CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) will take action against the contractor,” he told reporters during a visit to the CIDB Complex in Kuching today.

Baru said he had been informed that works at the site had been stopped to pave the way for rescue work and investigations.

The incident occurred after heavy rains hit Penang from Thursday afternoon to noon yesterday, causing the landslide in the container and kongsi area of the Bukit Kukus paired road construction site.

On a separate issue, Baru said that the Pan Borneo Highway project would be pursued and completed.

He was asked to comment on Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Abang Openg’s statement that he was doubtful if the Pan Borneo Highway project would be pursued.

“It is a federal project and not a state project although the state is having some kind of responsibilities in managing the project,” he said, adding that, however, it was still possible to discuss on reducing the project cost.

The project links Sarawak with Sabah upon completion via the highway and is estimated to cost RM29 billion.

Bernama

 

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