Transport minister says negligent contractor behind Rawang crane collapse, resulted in losses of RM2.4m to KTMB
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 4 — The collapse of a crane at the Rawang train station in Selangor three weeks ago was caused by a contractor’s failure in following safety procedures, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said today.
He added that the incident incurred RM2.4 million of losses for Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB).
“The cause of the incident was due to the contractor's negligence in ensuring a safe crane work area.
“Because of that, the crane entered a restricted area where the work site is unstable and slippery, causing the crane to lean on the track and the crane’s boom to break.
“The use of steel plates was also not sufficient for the regulation of the 80-tonne crane,” he said in a press conference here.
“Because of this failure, many difficulties are faced by KTMB since it interferes with train operations involving more than 20,000 ETS and Komuter passengers,” he added.
Loke said the contractor entered the restricted area without the Public Works Department’s (JKR) permission and received a stop work order immediately after the incident.
“We are currently investigating,” he said.
He added that the contractor has been issued a stop-work order and that it is now “up to JKR to allow them to continue or not”.
He also warned all contractors to follow safety rules to prevent tragedies.
“This country was lucky that day. We were lucky that no trains were passing through when the incident happened. It could've been a tragedy.
“Warning to all contractors, don't take this lightly. Please obey the rules. This is a life and death situation. Don't ever enter restricted areas if you have no permission,” he said.
Loke said the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) will take action against the contractor of the multi-level carpark under section 128 (1)(a) Land Transportation Act 2010 (Act 715).
“I have asked APAD to see what form of action can be taken for this offence.
“APAD is completing the investigation paper and will take action under section 128 (1)(a) of Act 715,” he said.
Section 128 of Act 715 stated that any person who willfully or negligently damages train, railway premises or any property belonging to a licenced operator could be fined not more than RM5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both upon conviction.
On December 12 last year, a crane used for project construction multi-storey car park Railway Asset Corporation had fallen onto the railway tracks in between Rawang and Kuang at 5.53 pm, severing the overhead line.
