New hospital closed after fungus found on walls
BY ZUHRIN AZAM AHMADJOHOR BARU: The Pandan Specialist Hospital near here has been temporarily closed after fungus was found on the walls and in some of the clinical equipment.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the RM500mil hospital, barely two months in operation, would be closed immediately.
The decision to close the hospital was made by a special committee comprising representatives from the Health Ministry, Public Works Department and scientists from Universiti Malaya, he said on Saturday.
He said the fungus, caused by high humidity inside the building, had been detected on the day the hospital was opened to the public.
 |
CLOSED FOR REPAIRS: The Pandan Specialist Hospital will undergo remedial works that are expected to be completed within three to six months. |
“But after about two months, the fungus had spread beyond control and the problem needed immediate attention,” he said after launching a lantern festival in Kulai on Saturday.
Dr Chua said initial investigation showed that the high humidity was caused by inefficiency of the hospital’s air-conditioning system.
There were two other serious defects at the hospital which also needed immediate attention, he said.
“The oxygen piping and the sewerage system are also posing problems,” he said, adding that many of the hospital’s equipments did not meet the specifications set by the ministry.
“These problems are serious and we are not taking any risks. We are of the opinion that it is best to close the hospital so that we can carry out remedial work without obstruction,” he said.
Dr Chua said the hospital’s contractor would carry out remedial works, which were expected to complete within three to six months.
News Poll
- Court ruling takes bite out of local council summonses
- Chin Peng apologises for death of innocents
- Girl and stepmum held over bid to kill first wife
- Biggest karaoke session a blast
- New evidence on MCA snoop squad case arrives at doorstep
- Teoh’s body exhumed for second autopsy today
- Victim’s dad nabs kidnapper
- Foreigner falls to her death from condominium
- Puad faces flak over ‘use Bahasa only’ remark
- Big impact in ‘small’ man’s win
- Court ruling takes bite out of local council summonses
- Malaysians must get regular dental checks
- Chin Peng apologises for death of innocents
- Big impact in ‘small’ man’s win
- New evidence on MCA snoop squad case arrives at doorstep
- No licence to try offenders
- Weapons drawn for new battle
- Johor set to be a medical hub
- Joy for 2,500 housebuyers as SPNB takes over project
- Teoh's second autopsy started at noon
RSS
