KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called for a detailed, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the crane collapse and fire incident at Malakoff Power Plant, Jalan Tanjung Bin, Kukup, Pontian on Saturday (Dec 13).
Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, urged relevant authorities, particularly the Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), in cooperation with the Energy Commission and involved technical agencies, to identify the true cause of the incident.
ALSO READ: Two killed, three injured as loading crane collapses in Pontian
He stated that any negligence or failure to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs), or safety weaknesses must not be compromised and should be addressed accordingly.
"I have also instructed the plant management and involved contractors to fully cooperate with the investigation and ensure all safety SOPs, equipment maintenance, and risk management are fully adhered to in order to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
"The Ministry will continue to monitor the progress of this case and will not hesitate to take further action if necessary to ensure the safety standards of the national energy industry are maintained at the highest level," he said in the statement.
ALSO READ: Internal investigation to be conducted following deadly incident at Tanjung Bin Complex, Pontian
Fadillah emphasised that the safety and welfare of workers in the energy sector were always a priority for his ministry and that every life is precious.
In the statement, he also expressed sympathy and condolences to the two victims who died in the incident - Muhammad Alfarid Ahmad, 19, and Muhammad Amaluddin Hisamudin, 22.
"May the families of the victims be given strength and patience in facing this heavy trial. I also pray for the full recovery of the injured victims," he said.
Earlier, Pontian Baru Fire and Rescue Station chief Asst Fire Supt Mahadir Mamat reported that two workers died and three others were injured after a crane carrying coal collapsed at the Tanjung Bin Power Plant near Kukup, Pontian, at 1pm Saturday.
The victims were extracted from the debris around 3pm before the bodies were handed over to the police for further action, while three other injured local male workers were taken to Pontian Hospital for treatment. - Bernama
