Perak gov't to form special committee to assess safety at quarry site - MB

TANJUNG MALIM - A special committee will be formed soon to reassess the safety aspects of quarry operations in Perak, says Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

He said the committee would be chaired by the state Land and Mines Office as the entity directly involved in the issue.

"Yesterday, we decided on the need to carry out action organised by a special committee related to safety aspects at the quarry site.

"We are worried because it is the rainy season now, and we don't know what is happening in the area," he said at a press conference after officiating the Muallim Speed Lane: Fast-Track Construction project here, today.

He said apart from safety issues at the quarry site, the committee would also look at areas at risk of landslides.

On Tuesday, a foreign worker was reportedly killed when he was crushed in a rockfall at a quarry site in Keramat Pulai, Simpang Pulai.

Gopeng MP Tan Kar Hing had urged the state government to take immediate action, including stopping quarrying activities to deal with the repeated cases of deaths at quarry sites.

Kar Hing also suggested that the state government establish a special team involving relevant agencies and departments to investigate and submit a detailed report regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, Saarani also reminded quarry operators to focus on safety aspects to prevent such fatal incidents.

"For example, when it rains heavily, any activity at the quarry site should be stopped and that is the set guideline. The slogan 'safety first' should always be in the minds of entrepreneurs," he said. - BERNAMA