Mall blast: Hearing set for Jan

KUCHING: The Sessions Court here set Jan 28 to 31 next year to hear the case on the explosion at CityONE Megamall here last year which killed three people and injured 41 others.

Judge Dayang Ellyn Narisa Abang Ahmad fixed the dates after the matter came up for case management yesterday.

Last Sept 24, CityONE MC Sdn Bhd director Stephen Long pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to ensure the safety of workers and other persons in the blast which occurred at 3.30pm on Dec 4 last year.

The company was among three entities that have been charged in connection with the blast, apart from a sub-contractor, Chia Yit Siong, 56, who was charged with failing to provide practical safety measures for the public at the shopping centre.

The other two companies were Borneo Landmark (M) Sdn Bhd and Sin Nyen Electronic and Electrical company. 

However, Borneo Landmark (M) Sdn Bhd was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal after the prosecution informed the court that it needed more time to investigate the case.

The company was charged under Section 15(1) of the Osha for failing to ensure, so far as is practicable, the safety, health and welfare of its employees at work. – Bernama