MB calls for proper fencing at projects
05/08/2008 NST By Ramesh Pillai
Rescue workers retrieving the body of Mohd Khalil who drowned in the
basement of a flooded building site.
SEREMBAN: Owners of abandoned building projects in the state have been urged
to ensure all relevant safety measures, including proper fencing around the
areas are in place to ensure there are no untoward incidents.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said such places are prone to
trespassing and the owners must ensure they do not pose any dangers to the
public.
He was commenting on an incident recently where a 22-year-old man drowned in
a flooded basement at an abandoned building site near Dataran Seremban.
Mohamad said he had been informed that several parts of the fencing had been
destroyed and this made it easy for trespassers to gain entry to fish and
swim.
"The area is private property and sign boards have been erected to warn
people about trespassing. However, this alone will not prevent people from
going into these places.
"While it is important that the public adhere to these warning signs and
stay clear of the area, the owners must also do all that is necessary to
ensure that safety is not compromised," he said.
Last month, Mohd Khalil the 22-year-old son of Negeri FM radio deejay
Kamaruddin Kassim, ("Papa Din"), was found drowned in the basement of a
flooded building near Dataran Seremban.
Mohd Khalil, had earlier invited his friends to go for a swim in Port
Dickson. He is believed to have fallen into the deep pool of water at the
abandoned site.
Mohamad said such places could be deathtraps, especially for children who
like to venturing into such areas as it was a form of adventure for them.
"While adults may be able to recognise the dangers posed by such places,
children may not be able to do so. This is why it is important that
abandoned sites are properly sealed off," he said.
On the future of the abandoned project site, he said the initial owner had
sold it to another developer. "We have received the development plans from
the new owners and have asked them to make some minor adjustments." |
