CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced today that the search and rescue (SAR) mission for four missing victims of the collapsed three-storey logistics warehouse in Bayan Lepas has been temporarily halted.
The pause allows for removal of beams and building materials at the construction site, a necessary precaution to ensure the safety of the rescuers.
Chow, who visited the site today at about 11.45am, explained that the focus is on making the area secure before resuming the SAR mission.
“Since morning, the removal of the beams and building materials has been ongoing. We must make sure the site is safe before the SAR mission can continue,” Chow said.
Meanwhile, Penang deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad said the removal efforts, now at 80% completed, are vital to preventing further risks to rescue teams.
“We cannot compromise on the safety of the rescuers, and with the help of the cranes, we are trying our best to complete the removal as soon as possible,” he told the reporters.
The incident, which took place at about 9.45pm last night, claimed three workers’ lives, with three others injured and undergoing treatment at Penang Hospital. Four others are still believed to be trapped under the collapsed structure.
Mohamed Usuf disclosed that the five victims, both deceased and injured, were aged between 22 and 46.
When asked about the cause of the incident, he said it was too early to comment as investigations are ongoing.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said internal and external investigations are currently being conducted by the state-level Department of Occupational Safety and Health.
“Before any further action can be taken against the developer, the investigations must be concluded first,” Rajendran said.
According to him, the project, which was slated for completion at the end of this year, might be extended to a different timeline, the details of which will be announced later.
Meanwhile, Chow said since the construction was in a non-residential area, the workers were given a 24-hour operation permit with two to three shifts.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix and video by Siew Chia En