PWD informed a year ago

(NST) – And when nothing was done, Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said called a meeting with the PWD three weeks ago and reminded them to look into the problem.

Ahmad wanted the defects rectified as soon as possible as the end of the defect liability period was fast approaching.

"I did not want anything bad to happen. The PWD took steps to address the matter but I cannot comment why it took so long, nor why the roof collapsed," Ahmad said.

The menteri besar said he had informed PWD to look into the defects immediately after the 12th Malaysia Games (Sukma) last May.

Ahmad said that the state government would now look for foreign experts for a second opinion into the cause of the collapse.

"This way, we can compare the findings of the foreign experts with that of the consultant hired by the PWD, to ensure the findings are consistent and ironclad.

"We will not put a time frame in selecting the foreign consultant. We do not want to carry out a rush job.

"We want a thorough report so that we will not be questioned later on. We don't want to be embarrassed again."

The RM292 million stadium, built last year, is now out of operation after a large section of its roof collapsed on Tuesday.

The authorities are nevertheless, counting their blessings, that the roof did not collapse yesterday as the stadium was the venue for the Malaysian Inter-Varsity Staff games.

The event would have seen some 3,000 competitors and officials taking part. As the collapse occurred above the grandstand area, several VIPs could have been seriously hurt if the games had gone on and the roof collapsed 24 hours later. The incident, however, damaged a car and four motorcycles.