NST Online » Local News
2009/06/04
Design flaw could be the cause
KUALA TERENGGANU: An eleventh-hour decision to use a space frame design for the roof of the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium could have led to its collapse on Tuesday morning.
A source familiar with the RM292 million project said the space frame roof that came crashing down was never part of the stadium's original design.
A decision was made at the last minute to cover the grandstand area with a space frame roofing to add a "curvy, grandeur and sophisticated" look to it.
The source said this, coupled with a looming deadline for the opening of the Malaysia Games, was a recipe for a disaster waiting to happen.
"It was done in a hurry and everyone in the engineering field knows that a space frame design is not an easy thing to build. Besides the difficulty involved, it is also a more expensive option," the source said.
According to civil engineering terms, a space frame is constructed from interlocking struts in a geometrical pattern using steel tubes.
It draws its strength from the triangular frames that make up the truss-like rigid structure.
It is lightweight, capable of spanning large distances with few supports and can create curves to increase the visual impact.
State Public Works director Rosly Zainal said it was premature to pin the blame on the choice of structural design, although he did admit that the technology involved required careful planning and expertise.
Rosly said all this would be looked into very carefully when investigations on the incident began.
He said debris from the collapse would not be cleared until the investigations were completed adding that insurers and adjusters would also be doing their own investigations.
Rosly, however, denied that the contractors were pressured into rushing its completion for the games.
"It was on schedule, otherwise we wouldn't have issued a temporary certificate of fitness," he added.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
PKR Youth lodges report
NST Online » Local News
2009/06/04
PKR Youth lodges report
KUALA TERENGGANU: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) yesterday lodged a police report over the collapse of the roof of the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium here.
State PKR Youth chief Mohd Fariz Musa said police should probe how the Public Works Department issued a temporary certificate of fitness (CF) for the RM292-million stadium when it was clearly not safe.
"If there are elements of negligence or corruption, those responsible must be exposed to face the full brunt of the law," he said after lodging the report.
In his report, Fariz claimed that the temporary CF was issued hurriedly to allow the opening of the Malaysia Games last year. NST
2009/06/04
PKR Youth lodges report
KUALA TERENGGANU: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) yesterday lodged a police report over the collapse of the roof of the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium here.
State PKR Youth chief Mohd Fariz Musa said police should probe how the Public Works Department issued a temporary certificate of fitness (CF) for the RM292-million stadium when it was clearly not safe.
"If there are elements of negligence or corruption, those responsible must be exposed to face the full brunt of the law," he said after lodging the report.
In his report, Fariz claimed that the temporary CF was issued hurriedly to allow the opening of the Malaysia Games last year. NST
The collapse of professionalism
NST Online » Columns
2009/06/04
EDITORIAL: The collapse of professionalism
WHILE Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said has wasted no time in announcing that the state government will investigate the collapse of the roof of the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak, Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor has also been quick to divulge that the Construction and Industry Development Board is putting together a team to search for the cause of the catastrophe. On top of that, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has initiated a probe into the incident. While the alacrity of these proactive measures is to be appreciated, it is to be feared, however, that it might be a classic case of too many cooks in the kitchen spoiling the broth. To be sure, since the stadium belongs to Terengganu, there is no question that the state government should be involved. But the scale of the cave-in and the reverberations from the collapse make it very much a national disaster, and not just a localised one. Likewise, the manner in which the contract to build the stadium was awarded should be looked into. However, while there is no question that there should be a full-scale, thorough and independent investigation to get to the bottom of things, it does not make sense to allow separate probes that push, pull and shove in different directions.
Whatever the case may be, we won't have the answers until the investigations are completed and the findings are reported. But as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin pointed out, when new buildings collapse just like that, "it does not show professionalism". And in the construction process, while the architects and engineers are as much hired hands as the carpenters and bricklayers, the responsibility for the integrity of the structures that are put up is ultimately theirs. In the first place, they prepare the designs and the building plans. They also supervise the construction at the site and certify that work has been completed in accordance with the approved plan.
Of course, contractors, sub-contractors and the building control authorities are not always blameless. But every time a building turns into a heap of rubble, we also lose a little more of the trust that we still have for the expertise and ethics of the architects and engineers. It is time for the professional associations and the statutory bodies to step up and act on any failure to carry out their duties with due care and diligence in accordance with the laws and ethics that govern their professions.
2009/06/04
EDITORIAL: The collapse of professionalism
WHILE Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said has wasted no time in announcing that the state government will investigate the collapse of the roof of the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak, Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor has also been quick to divulge that the Construction and Industry Development Board is putting together a team to search for the cause of the catastrophe. On top of that, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has initiated a probe into the incident. While the alacrity of these proactive measures is to be appreciated, it is to be feared, however, that it might be a classic case of too many cooks in the kitchen spoiling the broth. To be sure, since the stadium belongs to Terengganu, there is no question that the state government should be involved. But the scale of the cave-in and the reverberations from the collapse make it very much a national disaster, and not just a localised one. Likewise, the manner in which the contract to build the stadium was awarded should be looked into. However, while there is no question that there should be a full-scale, thorough and independent investigation to get to the bottom of things, it does not make sense to allow separate probes that push, pull and shove in different directions.
Whatever the case may be, we won't have the answers until the investigations are completed and the findings are reported. But as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin pointed out, when new buildings collapse just like that, "it does not show professionalism". And in the construction process, while the architects and engineers are as much hired hands as the carpenters and bricklayers, the responsibility for the integrity of the structures that are put up is ultimately theirs. In the first place, they prepare the designs and the building plans. They also supervise the construction at the site and certify that work has been completed in accordance with the approved plan.
Of course, contractors, sub-contractors and the building control authorities are not always blameless. But every time a building turns into a heap of rubble, we also lose a little more of the trust that we still have for the expertise and ethics of the architects and engineers. It is time for the professional associations and the statutory bodies to step up and act on any failure to carry out their duties with due care and diligence in accordance with the laws and ethics that govern their professions.
Ex-Terengganu MB's aide claims trial for SMS intimidation
NST Online » Frontpage
2009/06/04
Ex-Terengganu MB's aide claims trial for SMS intimidation
By : Ridzwan Fernandez and Sean Augustin
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KUALA TERENGGANU, Thurs:
Datuk Dr Ahmad Ramzi Mohd Zubir, the political secretary to former Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh was charged today in the Sessions court with sending death threats through the short messaging system.
He was accused of sending the SMS texts to three Barisan Nasional assemblyman with the intention of slandering another senior State Government official.
Ahmad Ramzi faced three principal charges and three alternatives to sending an annonymous death threat via SMS to intimidate the three assemblymen - Mohd Ariffin Abdullah (Paka), Abd Halim Jusoh (Permasuri) and Datuk Rosol Wahid (Ajil).
The offences were allegedly committed between 11.21pm and 11.25pm on April 13.
Alternatively, he faced three charges of using an Internet application to send death threats via SMS to the three assemblymen concerned on the same date and time that contained the words "baik jgn teruskn niat YB, YB tak sayang nyawa? (don't go ahead with your plans YB, don't you value your life?)".
For the fourth charge, Ahmad Ramzi is accused of slandering Wan Ahamad Wan Muda, private secretary to Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, by misusing his (Wan Ahamad) handphone number to SMS death threats to three assemblymen via a website with the intention to slander him.
The offences were allegedly committed on between 11.21pm and 11.25pm on April 13
Alternatively, he is charged with using the same method on the same date and time to send an SMS that contained that contained the words "baik jgn teruskn niat YB, YB tak sayang nyawa? (don't go ahead with your plans YB, don't you value your life?" with the intention to slander him.
Ramzi, who is now the special officer to Idris, the current Mara chairman, claimed trial to all the charges.
Decked in a suit and accompanied by friends, he looked composed throughout the proceedings.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ishak Mohd Yusoff posecuted, while Ramzi was represented by Rosli Abd Rahman.
Sessions judge Mohamad Khalid Ab Karim set bail at RM8,000 for both charges with one surety each, which later was posted.
He also ordered for Ahmad Ramzi's passport to be impounded and fixed re-mention of the case for July 19.
If convicted for the first three charges, Ramzi can be jailed up to two years, while he faces a maximum two-year jail term or a fine or both for the fourth.
It was reported that the three assemblymen lodged police reports shortly after receiving the SMS threats on April 14.
The three had claimed that the SMSes were sent by Wan Ahamad, who allegedly told them not to proceed with a rumoured plan to table a motion of no-confidence against the menteri besar at the state assembly sitting.
Police later absolved Wan Ahamad of any involvement. NST
2009/06/04
Ex-Terengganu MB's aide claims trial for SMS intimidation
By : Ridzwan Fernandez and Sean Augustin
Email to friend Email to Friend Print article Print Article
KUALA TERENGGANU, Thurs:
Datuk Dr Ahmad Ramzi Mohd Zubir, the political secretary to former Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh was charged today in the Sessions court with sending death threats through the short messaging system.
He was accused of sending the SMS texts to three Barisan Nasional assemblyman with the intention of slandering another senior State Government official.
Ahmad Ramzi faced three principal charges and three alternatives to sending an annonymous death threat via SMS to intimidate the three assemblymen - Mohd Ariffin Abdullah (Paka), Abd Halim Jusoh (Permasuri) and Datuk Rosol Wahid (Ajil).
The offences were allegedly committed between 11.21pm and 11.25pm on April 13.
Alternatively, he faced three charges of using an Internet application to send death threats via SMS to the three assemblymen concerned on the same date and time that contained the words "baik jgn teruskn niat YB, YB tak sayang nyawa? (don't go ahead with your plans YB, don't you value your life?)".
For the fourth charge, Ahmad Ramzi is accused of slandering Wan Ahamad Wan Muda, private secretary to Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said, by misusing his (Wan Ahamad) handphone number to SMS death threats to three assemblymen via a website with the intention to slander him.
The offences were allegedly committed on between 11.21pm and 11.25pm on April 13
Alternatively, he is charged with using the same method on the same date and time to send an SMS that contained that contained the words "baik jgn teruskn niat YB, YB tak sayang nyawa? (don't go ahead with your plans YB, don't you value your life?" with the intention to slander him.
Ramzi, who is now the special officer to Idris, the current Mara chairman, claimed trial to all the charges.
Decked in a suit and accompanied by friends, he looked composed throughout the proceedings.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ishak Mohd Yusoff posecuted, while Ramzi was represented by Rosli Abd Rahman.
Sessions judge Mohamad Khalid Ab Karim set bail at RM8,000 for both charges with one surety each, which later was posted.
He also ordered for Ahmad Ramzi's passport to be impounded and fixed re-mention of the case for July 19.
If convicted for the first three charges, Ramzi can be jailed up to two years, while he faces a maximum two-year jail term or a fine or both for the fourth.
It was reported that the three assemblymen lodged police reports shortly after receiving the SMS threats on April 14.
The three had claimed that the SMSes were sent by Wan Ahamad, who allegedly told them not to proceed with a rumoured plan to table a motion of no-confidence against the menteri besar at the state assembly sitting.
Police later absolved Wan Ahamad of any involvement. NST
Works Ministry tasked to examine selection of contractors and consultants
Thursday June 4, 2009
Works Ministry tasked to examine selection of contractors and consultants
By ROYCE CHEAH
KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has ordered a review of the procedure on the appointment of contractors and consultants following the roof collapse of the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium’s roof in Gong Badak, Kuala Terengganu.
The Works Ministry has been tasked to review the rules, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was commenting on the roof collapse of the newly opened RM300mil stadium.
Muhyiddin said the issue was discussed at length at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting and it viewed the incident as something that should not have happened.
“We view this very seriously. The Works Ministry will look into reviewing the rules. Going by the current situation, when we appoint a contractor, then the contractor appoints a consultant.”
Muhyiddin said although this was to enable more parties to take part in the contract, quality could not be compromised.
“They need to look into this and tighten the rules so that it does not happen again,” he said.
As for the possibility of corruption that led to the collapse of the roof, Muhyiddin said such assumptions could not be made yet.
“Action against the contractor is up to the state government,” he said, adding that it was fortunate that the incident did not take place when the stadium was in actual use.
Muhyiddin also said that the stadium was officially handed over to the state government seven months ago.
The stadium is part of the modern Gong Badak sports complex, which was built at an initial cost of RM250mil but the amount surged by an additional RM50mil due to soaring prices of building materials.
The indoor stadium, which is also part of the complex, was built at a cost of RM160mil.
The roof on the stadium’s left wing was ravaged after the iron frame structure supporting the 300m-long roof destabilised, causing it to fold.
The affected zones were the main entrance, royal podium and the public seating area.-Star
Works Ministry tasked to examine selection of contractors and consultants
By ROYCE CHEAH
KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has ordered a review of the procedure on the appointment of contractors and consultants following the roof collapse of the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium’s roof in Gong Badak, Kuala Terengganu.
The Works Ministry has been tasked to review the rules, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was commenting on the roof collapse of the newly opened RM300mil stadium.
Muhyiddin said the issue was discussed at length at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting and it viewed the incident as something that should not have happened.
“We view this very seriously. The Works Ministry will look into reviewing the rules. Going by the current situation, when we appoint a contractor, then the contractor appoints a consultant.”
Muhyiddin said although this was to enable more parties to take part in the contract, quality could not be compromised.
“They need to look into this and tighten the rules so that it does not happen again,” he said.
As for the possibility of corruption that led to the collapse of the roof, Muhyiddin said such assumptions could not be made yet.
“Action against the contractor is up to the state government,” he said, adding that it was fortunate that the incident did not take place when the stadium was in actual use.
Muhyiddin also said that the stadium was officially handed over to the state government seven months ago.
The stadium is part of the modern Gong Badak sports complex, which was built at an initial cost of RM250mil but the amount surged by an additional RM50mil due to soaring prices of building materials.
The indoor stadium, which is also part of the complex, was built at a cost of RM160mil.
The roof on the stadium’s left wing was ravaged after the iron frame structure supporting the 300m-long roof destabilised, causing it to fold.
The affected zones were the main entrance, royal podium and the public seating area.-Star
PAC to probe Terengganu stadium roof collapse
Thursday June 4, 2009
PAC to probe Terengganu stadium roof collapse
PETALING JAYA: The Public Accounts Committee will launch a probe into the roof collapse at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, says its deputy chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw.
“A truly independent specialist must be appointed. It must be thoroughly investigated and its report submitted to both committee and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
“I have heard of stadiums collapsing overseas because of a stampede.
“But I have never heard of a stadium collapsing on its own until now,” he said.
Dr Tan said it was important to ensure such an incident did not recur in the future.
“We have to find out why it collapsed and who is responsible as almost RM300mil had been spent on the stadium,” he said.
Dr Tan also urged authorities to charge those responsible for the collapse in court as “thousands could have died.”
Some 5,000 athletes, who were supposed to have converged at the stadium for a sports meet, had to move their event to other venues.
Wanita MCA chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun called for “quick and decisive” actions against those responsible for the wreck.
The companies should be blacklisted, the officials should quit and their professional licences revoked, she said.
Transparency International Malaysia president Datuk Paul Low said a commission of inquiry should be set up to probe the collapse and its proceedings telecast live.
“A lot of people could have been killed. We must find out the root cause of the problem and look into the specifications of the project,” he added - Star
PAC to probe Terengganu stadium roof collapse
PETALING JAYA: The Public Accounts Committee will launch a probe into the roof collapse at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, says its deputy chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw.
“A truly independent specialist must be appointed. It must be thoroughly investigated and its report submitted to both committee and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
“I have heard of stadiums collapsing overseas because of a stampede.
“But I have never heard of a stadium collapsing on its own until now,” he said.
Dr Tan said it was important to ensure such an incident did not recur in the future.
“We have to find out why it collapsed and who is responsible as almost RM300mil had been spent on the stadium,” he said.
Dr Tan also urged authorities to charge those responsible for the collapse in court as “thousands could have died.”
Some 5,000 athletes, who were supposed to have converged at the stadium for a sports meet, had to move their event to other venues.
Wanita MCA chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun called for “quick and decisive” actions against those responsible for the wreck.
The companies should be blacklisted, the officials should quit and their professional licences revoked, she said.
Transparency International Malaysia president Datuk Paul Low said a commission of inquiry should be set up to probe the collapse and its proceedings telecast live.
“A lot of people could have been killed. We must find out the root cause of the problem and look into the specifications of the project,” he added - Star
Roof had flaws, says architect
Friday June 5, 2009
Roof had flaws, says architect
By K. SUTHAKAR, R.S.N.MURALI and HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH
GEORGE TOWN: Architect Raja Datuk Kamarul Bahrin Shah, who designed the RM300mil Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu, said he had highlighted the problem regarding its roof structure many times.
Speaking out for the first time to defend his company Senibahri Arkitek, Raja Kamarul Bahrin said he had given “numerous views” on the roofing of the stadium through the Public Works Department to the specialist contractor from South Korea since early last year.
“I was saddened and shocked to learn about the roof collapse,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Raja Kamarul Bahrin said he initially did not want to comment on the incident until his return next Wednesday.
“I think I need to clear the air so that people won’t get the wrong idea about my absence. I’m in Mecca to perform the umrah,” he said.n KUALA TERENGGANU, a special team comprising building engineers from the state PWD will conduct safety inspections on newly constructed buildings in the state including the RM123mil Sultan Mahmud Airport terminal here.
State PWD deputy director Ghazali Hashim will head the team, which will also check the Batu Burok Aquatic Complex and the Indoor stadium in Gong Badak.
In MUAR, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim said any party responsible for the collapse of the roof should be answerable to the people.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Muar stadium yesterday, he said the ministry planned to coordinate the management and activities of all stadiums in the country, including those managed by the local authorities.
Roof had flaws, says architect
By K. SUTHAKAR, R.S.N.MURALI and HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH
GEORGE TOWN: Architect Raja Datuk Kamarul Bahrin Shah, who designed the RM300mil Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu, said he had highlighted the problem regarding its roof structure many times.
Speaking out for the first time to defend his company Senibahri Arkitek, Raja Kamarul Bahrin said he had given “numerous views” on the roofing of the stadium through the Public Works Department to the specialist contractor from South Korea since early last year.
“I was saddened and shocked to learn about the roof collapse,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Raja Kamarul Bahrin said he initially did not want to comment on the incident until his return next Wednesday.
“I think I need to clear the air so that people won’t get the wrong idea about my absence. I’m in Mecca to perform the umrah,” he said.n KUALA TERENGGANU, a special team comprising building engineers from the state PWD will conduct safety inspections on newly constructed buildings in the state including the RM123mil Sultan Mahmud Airport terminal here.
State PWD deputy director Ghazali Hashim will head the team, which will also check the Batu Burok Aquatic Complex and the Indoor stadium in Gong Badak.
In MUAR, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim said any party responsible for the collapse of the roof should be answerable to the people.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Muar stadium yesterday, he said the ministry planned to coordinate the management and activities of all stadiums in the country, including those managed by the local authorities.
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