Johor’s JKKP directs internal investigation after a tower crane operator died at a Seri Austin construction site, with potential legal action pending
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP) has ordered an internal investigation into the death of a tower crane operator at a condominium construction project in Seri Austin 4 last Friday.
In a statement, JKKP Johor said the company involved has also been directed to submit its internal investigation report to the department. Further investigations will be conducted to identify the cause of the incident.
Preliminary findings indicate the operator was found unconscious inside the crane’s cabin. The incident was discovered when a signalman tried to contact the victim to start work but received no response.
The victim was lowered by fire and rescue personnel before being examined by health workers from Sultan Ismail Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 1.15 pm.
The tower crane was in a free-standing condition with an estimated height of about 20 meters. The exact cause of death has yet to be confirmed pending autopsy results.
“Legal action will be taken against the responsible party if there are violations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 and its regulations,” the statement read.
Under the act, the maximum penalty for an employer is a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both, upon conviction.
The victim has been identified as 33-year-old Muhamad Aliff Ishak. Earlier media reports stated he was found unconscious in the crane at a height of about 45 meters at Residensi Puncak Austin.
