KUCHING, April 6 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) will provide forensic engineering support to the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) following the partial collapse of an old shop building on Jalan Padungan earlier this morning.
Its director Dr Cassidy Morris said a special technical team comprising forensic engineers, structural experts, and technical investigators from the department will be deployed to the site to carry out a thorough structural assessment.
“This investigation will cover site analysis, structural engineering evaluation, and the collection of physical evidence that can help determine the exact cause of the structural failure.
“JKR’s priority is public safety, and all findings from the investigation will be submitted to MBKS for further action, including proposed remedial measures if necessary,” he said in a statement today.
He added that the department is ready to offer technical assistance and professional advice to government agencies, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders that require expertise in engineering, infrastructure maintenance, and technical investigations.
Earlier, a spokesperson for Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) reported that part of wall in the building had collapsed, and they were alerted of the incident at 6.23 am today.
“Fire and Rescue personnel from the Padungan station arrived at the scene promptly and found that a section of the wall had cracked and collapsed,” the spokesperson said.
No fatalities or injuries were reported in the incident.
-- BERNAMA
