KUCHING: The Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) has declared the three shoplot units at Jalan Padungan unsafe for occupancy, following the collapse of a shoplot façade yesterday (Apr 6).
Its director Dr Cassidy Morris said the department’s forensic team concluded that the first three units are currently not safe for the people to use.
“That is our preliminary investigation so far. However, the full investigation report will be completed by the end of the week.
“We are still investigating the rest of the building,” he said at a press conference today (Apr 7).
Meanwhile, Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak branch chairperson Angelia Liew said the forensic and structural teams found signs that the collapse may have been caused by material fatigue.
She said an immediate structural analysis will be carried out within one or two days as a precautionary measure to prevent further collapse.
The collapse incident occurred around 6am on Sunday when the upper wall of a paint shop suddenly gave way, startling the local community.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Firefighters from Padungan station swiftly evacuated the affected unit along with adjacent shops on the first and second floors. Hazard warning tape was also placed around the site to keep the public at a safe distance.
