Portal KSM

KUALA LUMPUR: Construction work at a low-cost flat project in Kampung Sungai Sering here, where three workers fell to their deaths, has stopped following a stop-work order, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam.

He said the order would hold until further investigations and “we are satisfied with their safety measures.”

“Only then will we allow them to continue with their work,” he told reporters after visiting the site in Bukit Antarabangsa.

At 9.30am on Saturday, three Indonesian construction workers fell to their deaths from the 13th floor of the flats when the gondola they were in tilted and slipped.

Subramaniam said that the workers, identified as Sriadi, 36, Mastam, 33, and Suprato, 21, were in the gondola doing plastering work.

“I am told the workers had also brought up cement with them on the gondola.

“The maximum weight a gondola can carry is 350kg, but with the three workers plus the cement, I believe it would have been more than the maximum weight allowed,” he said.

He said the cause of the accident was due to one of the four metal cables holding the gondola becoming loose, causing the gondola to tilt and slip.

“The gondolas are also supposed to have a braking system as a safety measure in case the cables broke, but it seems that the braking system was also not functioning.

“Initial investigations by DOSH (Department of Occupational Safety and Health) found that the safety measures were not followed.

After a thorough investigation, if this is indeed proven, the ministry will take legal action against the company,” Dr Subramaniam said.

He also said that the construction company could be fined up to RM50,000 and the employers could face up to two years' jail.

To prevent such accidents from occurring in future, Dr Subramaniam said his ministry would focus on the legal safety requirements.