DBKL: Construction site where Briton fell had no safety violations
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) found no violations at the Bangsar construction site where a 25-year-old British backpacker was found dead last week.
Following an inspection on June 5, DBKL executive director (Planning) Datuk Zulkarnain Hassan said periodic checks showed the site was properly sectioned off.
"It's a big development. It will be developed in phases.
"One of the phases has been completed and the other is still under construction, so this is permissible.
"They have, in fact, separated the part of the completed project from the one under construction.
"So, it's properly separated," he said.
However, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has halted all construction activity pending investigation.
Zulkarnain added that DBKL's authority on construction sites is limited.
"DBKL's concern, based on the building by-laws and other laws, is to ensure that the construction does not cause nuisance to the surrounding neighbours.
"We also make sure every site has hoardings displaying the project details — what it is, who the main consultant is, the contractor, developer and the person in charge," he said.
He added that DBKL regulates construction hours, and this site had been granted an extension to operate until 10pm — three hours beyond the standard 7am to 7pm limit in Kuala Lumpur.
"Thirdly, we have jurisdiction over the vehicles and routes used for construction.
"We monitor site cleanliness, ensure lorry tyres are cleaned, and check that drains aren't obstructed," he told the New Straits Times, adding that no violations were recorded at the time of inspection.
Zulkarnain also pointed out that the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) plays a role by appointing contractors, who are then responsible for ensuring all standard operating procedures (SOPs) are followed.
Yesterday, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Chong Chieng Jen urged CIDB and DOSH to investigate the developer and all parties involved in the Bangsar construction site where the Briton's body was found.
Police believe the 25-year-old had entered the construction site before falling into a partially completed lift shaft.
His decomposed body was later discovered submerged in water.
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