Two Sri Lankan tourists were injured when debris from a heritage building fell on them in George Town.
GEORGE TOWN: Two Sri Lankan tourists were injured after debris from a heritage building fell on them along Armenian Street, a popular tourist spot here, today.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations John Sagun Francis said the victims were identified as Mohamad Ammtar, 66, and Fatimah, 55.
He said firefighters from the Lebuh Pantai Fire and Rescue Station were dispatched to the scene after receiving an emergency call at 1.11 pm.
John said debris comprising stones and timber from a first-floor beam fell on the victims, who were given initial treatment by Health Ministry personnel at the scene before being taken to Penang Hospital for further treatment.
He said the couple were tourists and were scheduled to return to Sri Lanka tomorrow. The affected building houses a grocery shop on the ground floor, while the upper floor appeared to be unoccupied.
Meanwhile, the Penang government has urged owners of heritage buildings to carry out safety inspections following the incident.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) and MBPP had been asked to issue the advisory to owners of heritage buildings across the state.
He said the incident underscored the need to ensure the structural safety of old and heritage buildings to prevent similar occurrences.
“Attention should not be limited to the building involved in today’s incident. All heritage and old buildings must be inspected to ensure they are safe, as they could pose a danger to pedestrians and visitors,” he told reporters after visiting the scene.
Wong said the state government was awaiting a full report from the authorities to determine the cause of the incident.
He added that immediate assistance would be extended to the two tourists, with the state government contacting the Sri Lankan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur to coordinate the necessary support.
He said the state government viewed the incident seriously, not only because two tourists were injured but also because it involved safety in a heritage area frequented by visitors.
