Kota Kinabalu: Building owners in the city have been instructed to conduct structural integrity checks immediately to ensure public safety.
Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said the local authority is conducting audits.
He said reminder letters had been issued to all building owners, including those of shops, offices and residential buildings.
“City Hall is auditing all buildings under its jurisdiction that are over 40 years old, including shops, office buildings, flats and condominiums, particularly those occupied by the public, whether rented or managed by a property management company.
“If a company manages a building, we have sent official reminder letters instructing them to conduct an integrity check.
“We have not set a specific deadline, but we urge building owners to act immediately.
“However, due to the recent collapse incident, we will review the timeline accordingly,” he said, commenting on the collapse of an entire shop floor in Segama last Friday night.
He said this to the media after paying a courtesy visit to Head of State Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu, Monday.
The incident saw a woman suffering a fractured leg after being struck by falling debris while on the ground floor of the two-storey restaurant operated by her son. Her husband was also slightly injured.
Fortunately, customers of the restaurant which specialises in Chinese Muslim fare had left after breaking their fast when it happened at 7.50pm.
It is understood that the collapsed first floor was used as a lodging house. The collapse created a large hole in the first-floor structure. It is believed to have been caused by a weakened floor due to the building’s age.
Meanwhile, Sabin said the visit was intended to invite Musa to DBKK’s Iftar (breaking of fast) event, which will be held tomorrow (Wednesday).
“This event will be attended by approximately 1,000 people, mostly DBKK officers and staff. Among the programmes scheduled for the event is the presentation of aid to orphans.
“The Chief Minister, along with several other Cabinet officials, will also attend the event, as will senior State and Federal Government officials,” he said.
Deputy Director-General of the Management Services Sector, Faradillah Abdul Rani, and Deputy Director-General of the Rural Development Sector, Karaim Rahim, were also present.
