KUALA LUMPUR – The search-and-rescue operation for the four remaining victims buried by the rubble of a collapsed under-construction logistics warehouse is expected to be concluded by noon, said Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz.
Speaking to the media at the site this morning, Azrul said rescuers are working intensively to remove the fallen concrete and rubble to recover the remains of the victims.
“As discussed earlier, we expect it to be done within the next two more hours,” he was quoted as saying by The Star.
Expressing regret over the incident, Azrul, who is also Penang deputy speaker, called on all relevant authorities to investigate the incident and take strict action.
“I hope such incidents do not repeat. Apparently I was told, (construction) work here was being done on a 24-hour basis, so there needs stringent monitoring,” he added.
Following the incident, Penang Island City Council has since issued a stop-work order on the construction of the logistics warehouse as search and recovery efforts are ongoing at the site.
In a Facebook post this morning, Azrul expressed his condolences to all the victims.
As of 6am today, four victims were reported to be still buried in the rubble, three are confirmed dead and two seriously injured are receiving treatment at Penang Hospital.
The incident occurred when the roof frame of a logistics warehouse under construction in Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas collapsed yesterday. – November 29, 2023