SIMPANG PULAI: Local authorities always prioritise safety when it comes to buildings and facilities under their purview, says Perak housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng.
Ng said this includes carrying out maintenance and assessments from time to time to ensure that safety is always prioritised.
She said the local authorities would also review the findings of the police investigation into the death of a man who fell from the Ipoh Central Market on Wednesday (Sept 23) before determining whether further safety measures were needed.
"It is an unfortunate incident. The police are still investigating whether it was an accident or a case of suicide.
“This is important because based on the report, the local authority can then take the necessary follow-up action," she told reporters after officiating the state-level Malaysia Clean-Up Day 2026 programme on Saturday (Sept 26).
“If it involves an accident, we need to look at the factors that contributed to it and what needs to be improved in terms of the building to prevent similar incidents and enhance public safety in future,” she said.
She was asked to comment on whether local authorities should conduct safety audits or review guidelines following the incident.
Separately, on the Victoria Bridge mishap in Enggor, Kuala Kangsar, Ng said the state government is still awaiting a comprehensive report and allocation to determine the next steps, including installing a safety net.
This follows the death of a three-year-old boy who fell through a hole on the historic bridge on Monday (Aug 31).
"At the state and Housing and Local Government Ministry level, we are exploring several channels to seek funding for the necessary safety improvements,” she said.
Meanwhile, Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing said he was aware of the flood issues in his constituency, with several phases of mitigation efforts having been implemented over the past three to four years.
He said that some areas had been successfully addressed and were no longer prone to flash floods, although newer developments could bring new drainage issues.
“The overall situation remains under control, with teams deployed to affected areas, followed by discussions with residents, associations, village committees and local authorities,” he said.
He was commenting on Gopeng MCA vice-chairman Cally Ting’s call for the Simpang Pulai assemblyman and Gopeng MP to jointly organise a town hall session on flood mitigation in the constituency.
