Safety Measures for buildings in Malaysia

And finally, I am proud to read that the Malaysian government, of late, has been putting a lot of emphasis on the safety of buildings in Malaysia.

Not too long ago, the episodes of leaking roofs and the MRR2 bridge has badly shatterred the image of the government, in particular the PWD - Public Works Department. The press was writing to draw bloody and the public wanted to see heads roll. No such drama unfortunately. Just a very expensive repair bill, and chances are, it was paid by the innocent taxpayers.

Anyway, back to the present. The government has decided that structures for the public must be safe. Otherwise, the structures will have to go. Two cases of this newly implemented guidelines:

• Kilim Bridge in Langkawi, for pedestrians, February 2008.
• Perak State Corporation building, November 2007.

In both cases, the two nearly completed sub-standard buildings collapsed when it was near completion. The measures were indeed very successful as no one was hurt in both the incidents. It is indeed a proud moment for the Malaysian Boleh spirit.

Credit should be given to the Perak and Kedah State Governments for the unprecedented move. Please, continue the support for such a visionary government. We do not want otherwise.