The negligence of a parking structure project contractor has been identified as the cause of an incident where a construction crane collapsed on the railway tracks at Kilometer 355.749 between Rawang and Kuang. The incident occurred on December 12 last year and resulted in Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) incurring a loss of over RM2.4 million.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed that the investigation conducted by his ministry determined that the contractor’s carelessness led them to enter restricted areas near the tracks.
“The financial impact of this incident is RM2,425,472.70, including the cost of providing buses to transport passengers and losses in cargo services,” said Loke.
Describing the incident as severe, Loke informed the media that he had presented the findings to the Cabinet in a meeting held yesterday. Previous reports indicated disruptions in KTM Komuter Lembah Klang and Electric Train Services (ETS) along the Rawang – Tanjong Malim route due to the crane collapse.
KTMB, in a statement, had earlier informed the public that both tracks for the affected services were obstructed due to the crane incident.
Elaborating further, Loke mentioned that the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) is finalising an investigation report under Section 128(1)(a) of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715) to take appropriate action regarding the incident.
He added that the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) is examining the powers available to take action against the contractor. Loke emphasised that the crane was in a hazardous zone without approval from the Public Works Department (JKR). The contractor entered a prohibited area adjacent to the tracks without any safety buffer zone, unbeknownst to the JKR.
“This incident happened because the contractor entered a hazardous zone. We want to convey that this involves a matter of life. Imagine if, on the day of the incident, the crane collapsed while a train was passing through the area; it would have been a national tragedy,” warned Loke.
He issued a stern warning to contractors, urging them not to underestimate safety issues, emphasising that it involves human lives. Loke hopes such incidents will not occur in the future and considers it a reminder to all contractors to prioritize safety, especially in railway track areas.
