GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has filed a notice to claim damages from a transport company after its trailer allegedly destroyed the iconic Weld Quay pedestrian bridge on Feb 5, 2020.
MBPP, in a statement, said the council had filed the notice at the George Town Court Complex here to claim for the losses, damages and costs the council had to incur following the incident.
The council, however, left the remaining pillar and staircase of the pedestrian bridge as evidence for the case until the proceeding ends.
"To prevent the structure being used by vagrants, the council has installed fences around the stairs as a temporary measure until the completion of the case," it said.
It added the council has conducted an investigation and checks on the pillar and staircase and found it to be still strong and stable.
The council has taken safety measures such as installing safety ropes as well as placing barriers around the area of the overpass structure and stairs so that it cannot be accessed by the public.
As for pedestrians, a zebra-crossing path with traffic lights has been installed.
It said any party found to be abusing public property and creating a nuisance in the area will be subject to legal action under Section 82 of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) and if convicted, may be sentenced to a fine or imprisonment, not exceeding six months or both.
It also said any party can be charged under Sections 46 and 47 of the Street, Drainage and Building 1974 (Act 133), where if convicted, can be fined not more than RM500.
"The council is committed to ensuring cleanliness and safety involving public places are given attention so that they continue to be maintained.
"Therefore, the comprehensive monitoring and enforcement of laws will continue to be intensified in order to be in line with the council's vision and mission," it said.
The Weld Quay pedestrian bridge is one of the oldest pedestrian bridges in Penang.
The bridge was originally built to connect pedestrians between the jetty, and George Town bus terminal.
On Feb 5, 2020, the pedestrian bridge was damaged when a piling crane crashed into it.
The bridge was then dismantled to allow traffic to resume and allow smooth traffic flow for two major festivals - Thaipusam and Chap Goh Meh -
during the incident.
