Two charged over second Penang bridge ramp collapse

BALIK PULAU - Two contractor representatives were charged in the magistrate's court here yesterday with causing the death of one person and injuring four others in the collapse of the second Penang Bridge connecting ramp in June last year.

Chan Kah Heen, 39, who appeared on behalf of Cergas Murni Sdn Bhd, and Abdul Raub Razalim 50, managing director of Giga Engineering and Construction Sdn Bhd, claimed trial.

Cergas Murni was alleged to have failed to undertake practical steps in ensuring the safety of non-workers during construction work at Span 5 R2/R6 to R2/R7, Ramp 2, at the second bridge's construction site, Package 3A, Batu Maung Interchange, causing the death of Tajudin Zainal Abidin, 46, and injuring R.

Thilasheni and G. Gajashantini, both aged 25.

Giga Engineering was also alleged to have caused injuries to two of its workers, Slamat Toket and Tin Maung Lwim. Both offences were allegedly committed at 7pm on June 6 last year.

Magistrate Muhammad Najib Ismail fixed Feb 28 for mention at the Sessions Court.

Cergas Murni was represented by Sarita Ashuk Khandar, while Giga Engineering was unrepresented.

Deputy public prosecutors Nurakmar Mohd Sani and Nik Azrin Zairin Nik Abdullah from the Human Resources Ministry prosecuted.

It was reported that the ramp collapsed and crushed a car, with a body seen pinned to the dashboard.

The person, later identified as Tajudin, a former policeman living in Permatang Damar Laut, was extricated at 8.50pm on June 7, more than 24 hours after the ramp collapsed.