Two construction companies charged with Jaya Supermarket collapse

[Zhou Yü]

Published: Tuesday September 21, 2010 MYT 10:03:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday September 21, 2010 MYT 11:40:46 AM

Two construction companies charged with Jaya Supermarket collapse

By YUEN MEIKENG

PETALING JAYA: Two construction companies were separately charged in the Sessions Court here Tuesday with failing to meet safety standards over the collapse of the Jaya Supermarket. Directors Yap Choon Wai, of CW Yap Sdn Bhd, and Jason Hee Kok Hing, of Lian Hup Earth Work and Construction Sdn Bhd, appeared on behalf of their companies and pleaded not guilty to the offences.

The offences were allegedly committed on May 28 last year, around 5pm, at the former Jaya Supermarket site along Jalan Semangat here. One of Petaling Jaya's oldest landmarks, the building in Section 14, had been vacant since early 2008 as there were plans to redevelop the site. The structure collapsed before demolition works could start, killing seven workers.

 

[Cao Ren]

Jaya Supermarket collapse: Director Yap Choon Wai charged


Published: Monday September 27, 2010 MYT 11:09:00 AM

Jaya Supermarket collapse: Director Yap Choon Wai charged

By YUEN MEI KENG

PETALING JAYA: Yap Choon Wai, director of construction firm CW Yap Sdn Bhd, was charged at the Sessions Court here Monday with failing to ensure the safety of others in last year’s Jaya Supermarket collapse that killed seven. The 54-year-old pleaded not guilty. The iconic supermarket collapsed during demolition work and killed seven construction workers on May 28 last year.

Last Wednesday, two construction companies, including Yap’s, were charged in separate Sessions Courts with failing to ensure the safety of others. Then, Yap and Jason Hee Kok Hing, of Lian Hup Earth Work and Construction Sdn Bhd, appeared on behalf of their companies and pleaded not guilty to the offences. CW Yap Sdn Bhd was charged as an employer for failing to ensure that non-employees, namely four workers and three civilians, who could be affected by the company’s works, were not exposed to safety and health risks.

Lian Hup Earth Work and Construction Sdn Bhd was charged as an employer for failing to ensure the safety, health and welfare of all its employees on duty by failing to comply with the work safety system provided in demolition works for buildings. Both companies allegedly committed the offences on May 28 last year at about 5pm at the site of the proposed project to demolish the office building and shopping complex at Jalan Semangat here. The proposed project was also set to rebuild a seven-floor shopping complex building and a four-level basement car park at the site.

CW Yap Sdn Bhd and Lian Hup Earth Work and Construction Sdn Bhd were each charged under Section 17(1) and Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 which is punishable under Section 19 of the same Act. Those convicted under this Section could be fined up to RM50,000 or jailed for a term not exceeding two years or both. Both companies were represented by defence counsel Ooi Huey Min while Department of Occupational Safety and Health prosecuting officers Jaafar Leman and Hazlina Yon appeared for the prosecution.