HELP University CEO Dr. Goh Chee Leong updating on the recent campus explosion incident.— LEONG WAI YEE/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: HELP University has initiated an independent forensic investigation following Monday’s explosive incident at its Bukit Damansara campus, which caused injuries and resulted in the death of a student.
HELP Education Group (tertiary) group co-chief executive officer Dr Goh Chee Leong (pic) said an independent consulting team from Forensic Services Malaysia has been appointed.
“The moment we receive the full investigation report, we will share it with all relevant stakeholders and the public,” he said in an interview.
While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, preliminary briefings suggest the incident may have involved the building’s central air-conditioning compressor.
Goh clarified that the Bukit Damansara building’s air-conditioning system is managed by AmanahRaya Reit, the building owner, not the university.
“We are working closely with AmanahRaya Reit and all relevant parties to determine the cause of the incident,” he said.
In the meantime, safety checks have been conducted on all other campus air-conditioning systems on Tuesday, including those at Wisma CL and the Subang Bestari main campus, by an independent engineering consultant, CHT International, which has been appointed by AmanahRaya Reit.
These checks have been completed and the systems are safe for use, said Goh.
The affected Bukit Damansara building will remain closed until a full risk and safety assessment is completed and it receives a clean bill of health.
Meanwhile, vice-chancellor Prof Dr Liew Teik Kooi provided updates on those affected.
“Ten people were impacted: four students, a lecturer, two contractors (including the deceased, who was on industrial training), two canteen staff and a building management personnel.
“Currently, two students and one contractor remain hospitalised, while six others have been discharged.”
One student with fractures to the hips and legs is receiving ongoing treatment with surgery scheduled, while another student who sustained a head injury underwent successful keyhole surgery and is showing positive progress.
The contractor who remains hospitalised also underwent surgery and is recovering.
Liew said the university has mobilised psychological and counselling professionals from its Centre for Psychological and Counselling Services to provide daily support to affected students and staff.
Classes in the affected building have moved online, and staff have temporarily relocated to Wisma CL.
About 1,000 students and staff have been impacted, but the university says the transition to online learning has been smooth, as students are already familiar with the platform from the pandemic.
HELP University expressed condolences to the family of Soo Yu Jian, who died in the incident, and extended thoughts and prayers to all injured students, staff, and their families.
“In our 40-year history, we have never experienced an incident resulting in loss of life,” Goh said, adding that Monday had been the first day of classes for the university.
