Contractor of collapsed suspension bridge blacklisted

IPOH: The Perak government has decided to blacklist the contractor involved in building the ill-fated suspension bridge which collapsed, killing three primary school pupils who attended a 1 Malaysia Camp at the education department’s co-curriculum centre in Kuala Dipang, Kampar in October.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said apart from blacklisting, the contractor may also be referred to the police to ensure necessary action was taken against them.

"I want to make sure the necessary action is taken against the contractor for negligence because such cases cannot be treated lightly. It is a serious matter because three lives were lost," he told reporters after issuing 5A forms to 44 families in Kampung Sungai Buluh here today.

Zambry was asked to comment on a statement made by Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor who said the ministry does not have the power to take action against the contractor.

During the incident on Oct 26 at about 10pm, the suspension bridge that was used by the pupils to cross the Kampar River, collapsed and resulted in three school children dead. The three were among 298 pupils involved in a 1Malaysia camp organised by the education department which also involved 60 primary school pupils from
Sekolah Rendah Kampar, Tronoh and Batu Gajah. - Bernama