DPM orders probe into tragedy and shuts down camp for now

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KAMPAR: Questions are being asked as to how the newly-constructed suspension bridge across Sungai Kampar gave way.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who visited the site of the tragedy yesterday, ordered the setting up of a committee to investigate the incident and submit a report to him.

“We want to know how the bridge, which was built by a company for free, could collapse so easily,” Muhyiddin said, adding that the bridge was ready a month ago.

VIP concern: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin consoling survivor Mohamad Amier Amzar Mohad Aspar, 12, from SK Bukit Pekan, Kampar.

The committee will be headed by Education Ministry director-general Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom, he said.

Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, ordered temporary closure of the camp to allow authorities to investigate the matter further.

Expressing his sadness over the incident, he said the ministry would provide RM10,000 financial aid to the family of Dina Deve, who drowned after she fell into the river and was swept away by swift currents.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, who visited the scene on Monday night, said he wanted to know if the bridge was built to specifications.

“The suspension bridge was newly built. We want to know if it was built to specifications as it collapsed after the metal anchor got ripped off the ground,” he said.

Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah visited the search and rescue operations room located at the school field and met parents of the pupils.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said it was an unfortunate incident and conveyed his sympathies to the victim’s family.

In Kuala Lumpur, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said a thorough and speedy investigation should be conducted by the authorities concerned.

The Dewan Rakyat has also expressed its sympathy over the tragedy.

In Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan said they were ready to investigate if there was any element of wrongdoing in the construction of the bridge.