Guardrail Repair Completed At PPR Desa Mutiara After Child Fall Incident

JOHOR BAHRU, March 23 (Bernama) -- Repair works involving the reinstallation of a detached guardrail on the second floor of the Desa Mutiara People’s Housing Project (PPR) here, which led to a nine-year-old girl being injured from a fall, have been fully completed.

Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the installation was carried out immediately by the contractor following discussions with the engineering division of the Johor Housing Development Corporation (PKPJ).

“It was found that several guardrails required urgent repairs, and the works have been carried out for safety reasons, while a full report on the matter is also being prepared.

“PKPJ officers have visited the victim’s father and extended assistance to the family,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

Mohd Jafni said his office will conduct a comprehensive inspection of all grille structures in the PPR area to ensure residents’ safety.

Commenting further, Mohd Jafni did not rule out the possibility that the guardrail had been damaged prior to the incident, given that PPR Desa Mutiara, completed in 2007, was now about 14 years old.

“In the long term, we will reassess the strength of the guardrails at the PPR, taking into account the age of the building,” he said.

In a related development, the nine-year-old girl, who was reported to have suffered head injuries, is currently receiving treatment at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA).

Her father, Mohamad Khairul Nizam, 48, when contacted by Bernama, said his daughter was now in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit after undergoing surgery.

“I am not sure yet if the guardrail has been installed, as I am at the hospital, but I am grateful if it has been done,” said the father of five.

-- BERNAMA