LETTERS: Although the Highland Towers collapsed in 1993, we must not let this tragedy be forgotten.
We must learn from this and ensure that no similar tragedy reoccurs.
The question I ask myself is, can we say that we have put in place safeguards to ensure that developers do not cut corners when carrying out their developments?
In most cases, the cause behind a building’s collapse is due to developers cutting corners. This includes:
NOT having adequate foundations
NOT constructing retaining walls to appropriate standards;
USING substandard materials;
NOT adhering to conditions of approval by local councils; and,
DEVELOPERS appointing inexperienced contractors.
All too often, developers work with officers from the local authorities to cover up any breach of the law.
I suggest that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission weed out corrupt officers in local authorities. Whenever a tragedy occurs, the case usually has legal implications.
In this regard, I hope lawyers will share their experiences in the following:
IS there a need for the laws to be strengthened?
ARE judges too lenient when handing out judgments against the developers?
ARE there areas that can be improved to prevent recurrence of such tragedies? and,
DO judges understand the nature of a developer’s business and sufficiently qualified to handle such cases?
Perhaps training should be provided before handling construction cases.
Malaysians tend to have short memories and it will be a sad day if we have failed to learn from mistakes.
P.S.
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times