MELAKA: The partially constructed building in Bandar Hilir that collapsed on Friday is deemed an unlawful structure, says Datuk Shadan Othman.
The Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) mayor said the construction of the three-storey building was carried out illegally without planning permission or submission of the architectural design plan to the council.
“It’s a blatant violation of the law, as the owner did not submit or obtain the necessary approvals for the construction of the building,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Shadan explained that this violation was discovered after he and his officers inspected the site at Jalan Bukit Senjuang on Friday.
“We found out that the owner violated Section 70(1) of the Streets, Drainage and Building Act 1974 by proceeding with construction without prior written permission from the local authority.
“Any owner planning a development project must fully comply with the relevant procedures and regulations,” he added.
Shadan confirmed that the site had been sealed until the investigation was complete, and a stop-work order had been issued.
MBMB is also in the process of imposing a maximum fine of RM50,000 on the owner.
A 22-year-old Bangladeshi construction worker died when the structure collapsed.
The body was retrieved from the rubble by rescue personnel at around 12.20am yesterday.
Two other victims, both from Pakistan, were rescued and taken to the Melaka Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, residents of an apartment near the site expressed concerns about the rapid pace of the building’s construction.
A 45-year-old resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was surprised to see the second floor of the structure erected within just a week.
“I don’t know why there was a rush to complete the building. I am sure safety procedures were not followed,” she remarked.
