Malaysian injured by falling concrete in Hong Kong

• Ng Shu Lin, 44, was walking along the busy street when a piece of concrete fell from the Yau Lai Building, striking him on the head.

KUALA LUMPUR (July 8): A Malaysian man was struck by a falling piece of concrete in Hong Kong on the first day of his arrival to the city last Thursday.

Ng Shu Lin, 44, was on his way to attend a World Filial Piety seminar on Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, when the incident occurred in a bustling area known for its high foot traffic and towering buildings, according to his friend, Yap Shy Cuan, 48.

In a phone call with Bernama, Yap said Ng, who was on a business trip, was walking along the busy street when a piece of concrete fell from the Yau Lai Building, striking him on the head.

"It was shocking. The impact knocked him to the ground and people rushed to help. Ng had undergone two surgeries, but there is still a piece of concrete that could not be located and removed.

“The second surgery was yesterday (July 7). I hope our consulate here in Hong Kong can assist him before he flies back to Malaysia. He is expected to be discharged by tomorrow," Yap said.

Ng, who is being treated at Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, is currently stable but still weak. He plans to consult a lawyer to explore his legal options.

Ng’s incident caught the attention of local media and reports indicated several concrete fragments were found on the pavement, with visible cracks on the underside of the building's canopy, though no rebar was exposed.

The Hong Kong Fire Department had used a ladder to remove loose concrete pieces from the 61-year-old building.

According to the Buildings Department, a statutory notice for a mandatory inspection was issued earlier for the building's communal areas and the inspection was conducted in compliance with it.

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