New Buiding Designs To Withstand
Earthquake, Says Samy Vellu
bernama.com 1/4/2005
KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- In the future, building designers and
architects may need to come up with new structural designs that can
withstand tremors or the impact of an earthquake.
Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said Sunday he would discuss with
building professionals such as architects and engineers to see how the
impact of natural disaster on buildings could be minimised.
"I will discuss with the Board of Architects and Board of Engineers, the
Institute of Architects and Institute of Engineers to see what we can do
to protect buildings from earthquake of this kind," Samy Vellu said when
asked what the ministry was doing following the March 29 earthquake in
Nias Island, Indonesia, which was also felt in the peninsula.
He was speaking to reporters after opening a one-day workshop for 154 MIC
nominated councillors here.
"Before, only tall buildings were equipped with earthquake suspensions but
now even buildings with eight and nine floors have cracks. So we have to
take measures on how to overcome them," he said.
Samy Vellu also said he wanted architects and engineers building five or
six-storey buildings to take into consideration the earth conditions to
ensure safety.
He said a special rubber shield, a protection mechanism, had to be
included when buildings are constructed, especially those built in
earthquake- prone areas.
On another issue, he said the Seremban toll plaza needed to be relocated
due to frequent accidents and the increasing traffic congestion, which
could stretch up to nearly five kilometres on weekends or public holidays.
Samy Vellu said he would direct Projek Lebuhraya Utara Selatan (Plus), the
toll concessionaire, to study and present a proposal on the relocation
plan, including the cost implications.
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