GEORGE TOWN, December 1 – The Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) expresses profound sadness and offers condolences to the victims and their families affected by the recent building collapse at a construction site in Batu Maung, Penang, around 9:58 PM yesterday. The devastating incident has claimed the lives of three workers, left two severely injured and hospitalized, while concerns persist for the safety of four others believed to be still trapped.
In response, MOHR has initiated a comprehensive investigation, assigning a team of investigators from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Penang to ascertain the root cause of the collapse and determine whether any legal requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 were breached. DOSH Penang promptly issued a stop-work order at the site to facilitate the investigation. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, employers bear the responsibility to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of both workers and the public within their workplace jurisdiction. The Act empowers employers to have full control over workplace activities, necessitating risk analysis and the implementation of effective risk controls before any work activities commence.
Additionally, industry guidelines such as the Occupational Safety and Health Construction Industry Guidelines (Management) 2017 emphasize the shared responsibility of all stakeholders, including clients, designers, and contractors, from the early stages of project design. The tragic loss of lives underscores the urgency of MOHR, in collaboration with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (MNKKP) and DOSH, to continually enhance occupational safety and health standards, especially within the construction sector.
