SHOPHOUSE COLLAPSE IN SIBU: AREA SEALED OFF OVER SAFETY CONCERNS

SIBU, 13 Feb (Bernama) -- Public safety remains the top priority following the partial collapse of a block of eight shop units along Jalan Pahlawan early today, with the surrounding area sealed off until further notice.

Sarawak Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, said the structure remains unstable and access to the site is strictly prohibited for now.

“We understand there are business interests and valuables still inside the premises. However, safety is our foremost priority, and we cannot take any risks,” he told reporters after attending a meeting on the incident at the Sibu Municipal Council (MPS) here today.

Tiang said observations at the scene, as well as viral video footage, clearly showed that the building structure was unstable and still at risk of further movement.

“This morning, cracking sounds were still heard from the rubble, indicating that the structure is not yet fully secure,” he said.

As a precautionary measure, roads surrounding the site have been closed, including to heavy vehicles, to prevent the public from entering the danger zone.

He acknowledged that the closure may inconvenience nearby business operators, including a restaurant adjacent to the affected building.

“We understand the difficulties faced by traders and tenants, but we are grateful that no injuries were reported when the collapse occurred early this morning,” he said.

Tiang, who is the Pelawan assemblyman, said another meeting will be held on Feb 23 to review the technical report to be submitted by the Public Works Department (JKR) and to consider the views of relevant experts.

He added that under the Building By-Laws, the person who submitted the original building plans is required to identify and report the cause of the structural failure within seven days of the incident.

“If investigations determine that the building is no longer safe, the authorities will declare it a dangerous structure and order the owner to carry out demolition works,” he said.

Tiang said the duration of the closure will depend on the outcome of investigations and technical assessments, but assured that further action will be taken promptly in the interest of public safety.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre said in a statement that an emergency call was received at 2.46 am, prompting the deployment of a response team from the Sungai Merah Fire and Rescue Station to the scene.

Upon arrival, firefighters found that one unit in a row of eight two-storey shophouses had collapsed.

No casualties were reported.

-- BERNAMA