THE Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has called for the immediate setup of an inquiry commission to investigate why a logistics warehouse under construction in Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas, collapsed on Tuesday night.

Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said CAP wants the authorities to conduct an investigation into the cause of the accident.

“The Penang Island City Council, the Construction Industry Development Board and the Occupational Safety and Health Department must thoroughly investigate the incident, and take strict action against those responsible for the accident,” he said in a statement today.

Given the proximity of the site to the beach, Mohideen said any structure built in the sandy and gravelly area must be completely safe.

He called for all safety measures to be considered, especially geological studies.

In the 9.58pm incident on Tuesday, three Bangladeshi workers were killed. Another two were critically injured and were sent to Penang Hospital.

Mohideen cited two prior incidents of similar nature – the collapse of the scaffolding on the second Penang bridge and the crumbling of the wall fins of a 21-storey building – which an inquiry commission established by the Penang government said were due to incompetence and negligence.

“Firm action will send a message to construction companies that the law must be obeyed at all times, and that the owner of the premises must be responsible for accidents,” he said. – Bernama, November 30, 2023.