KLANG: Contractors using heavy machinery in building projects must obtain permission from the local authorities first, says Bandar Baru Klang assemblyman Datuk Teng Chang Khim.
Teng said this following an accident involving two cranes at Taman Sri Pinang which comes under Teng’s constituency.
The first crane which was leading a second crane into the premises of a school "staggered" which resulted in the machine that was being led, becoming suspended in the air.
According to Teng, the mishap happened because the soil was too soft and instead of the first crane lifting the second one, it ended up pulling it instead.
"It happened at the end of a street and so it’s very difficult for the machines to turn," said Teng, adding the Fire and Rescue Department had reached out to the Occupational Safety and Health Department for guidance and help.
He said if contractors had applied for a permit from the local council, they would have been told whether or not it was viable to bring heavy machinery into the area.
"At times heavy machinery like these can cause damage to houses or injuries to people," added Teng.
Upon checking, both the cranes were in the same position and location at press time.
A resident in the area, who only wanted to be known as Christine, said she hoped the machines would be moved soon.
"The cranes are in front of my house and when the incident happened, one of them swung towards my house and damaged my awning.
"There was also some damage to the ground where the cranes stood," she said.
Christine added she also wanted her awning and stretch of the road in front of her house to be repaired by the contractor.