Developer taken to task over bridge

The Star 03/09/2002

MALACCA: The Malacca Historical City Municipal Council will summon Pulau Kembar Sdn Bhd, developer of Pulau Melaka, for failing to ensure public safety along the bridge from Melaka Raya to Pulau Melaka. 

This is following eight cases of people who drowned after falling from the bridge leading to the island since 1997.  

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said he had ordered the council to issue the summons against the developer who had failed to fence up the area for public safety. 

He said he had told Michael Lim, project executive of Pulau Kembar Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Inno Enhance Sdn Bhd), to immediately put up railings and install lightings along the bridge. 

If the company had financial difficulties for the safety measures, Mohd Ali said the state Works Department could fix the railings and lightings and in return, Pulau Kembar Sdn Bhd would have to provide the state with several acres of land on Pulau Melaka.  

The RM2bil development project of Pulau Melaka began in 1997 but was delayed due to the economic slowdown and its first phase of property was scheduled to be completed next year. 

Phase One, which involves mixed development of condominiums, houses and shophouse was restarted last year and is now 80% completed.  

The bridge with iron rods jutting out and without street lights, was a favourite hangout for anglers and others. 

The latest drowning victim was Mohammad Faizal Hassan, a 15-year-old student from SMK Agama Sultan Muhamad, who drowned after falling from the bridge between 1.30am and 2am on Aug 31. 

His body was recovered by the marine police on Sunday afternoon.