KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic) has ordered a thorough and transparent investigation into the deadly crane collapse and fire at the Malakoff Power Plant in Kukup, Pontian.
Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, urged the authorities – specifically the Occupational Safety and Health Department and the police – to cooperate with the Energy Commission and relevant technical agencies to determine the cause of the incident.
He stressed that there should be no compromise and appropriate action must be taken against any negligence, breach of standard operating procedures or safety lapses.
“I have instructed the plant management and all contractors involved to provide their full cooperation to investigators.
“They are further directed to ensure strict compliance with all safety procedures, equipment maintenance and risk management to avert a similar tragedy,” he said in a statement.
He assured the people that the ministry will continue to oversee the case and will not hesitate to initiate further measures as needed to ensure the energy industry maintains the highest possible safety standards.
Fadillah emphasised that worker safety and welfare are paramount, adding that every life is invaluable.
He conveyed his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the two men who lost their lives, Muhammad Alfarid Ahmad, 19, and Muhammad Amaluddin Hisamudin, 22.
“I pray that their families are granted strength and fortitude in facing this profound loss. I also pray for the full and swift recovery of the injured victims.”
Earlier, Pontian Baru Fire and Rescue Station chief, Asst Fire Supt Mahadir Mamat, said that a crane lifting coal collapsed at the Tanjung Bin Power Plant, killing two and injuring three others, in the 1pm incident on Saturday.
The victims were extracted from the rubble around 3pm.
The three injured workers were taken to Hospital Pontian for treatment.
