SHAH ALAM: The State Government here today issued a stop-work order for the demolition of Jaya Shopping Centre to allow investigations to find out the cause of the collapse which cost two lives while five others are still missing. Until the causes of the collapse are determined, only search and rescue work is allowed to continue.

The decision was made following a briefing on the tragedy by Petaling Jaya City Hall engineering unit, Institute Kerja Raya Malaysia (IKRAM), Department of Occupational Safety and Hazard (DOSH) at the Selangor Economic Action Council meeting (MTES) this morning.

The State has ordered MBPJ’s engineering unit and IKRAM to conduct the investigations and submit a detailed report for the MTES on next Friday. MBPJ has been instructed to monitor the area round the clock to ensure that no machinery or equipment used for the demolition of the building be taken out of the site. The area will also be cordoned off for public safety.

The state has also ordered MBPJ to treat all the deceased with dignity in accordance to their religious belief and ensure that their next-of-kin are kept well-informed on the development of the tragedy. The city hall will also be working closely with the Indonesian Embassy on this matter.

An information centre will be set up near the tragedy site so that the victim’s families and nearby residents can monitor the development of the search and rescue work.

The city hall will be sending flyers to nearby residents to inform them of the actions taken by the state authorities to ensure their safety. We appeal to residents to cooperate with the relevant authorities to avoid any further mishaps and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Today’s briefing by MBPJ, IKRAM and DOSH has revealed a serious lack of proper guidelines in monitoring demolition of buildings. The State Government intends to rectify to ensure that such tragedy does not recur and affect future development plans in Selangor.

Thank You.

Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim
Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor