BALIK PULAU, Jan 22 — The representatives of two construction companies pleaded not guilty at the Magistrates Court today to charges of causing death and injury in the Penang Second Bridge ramp collapse in June last year. 

The accused, Chan Kah Heen, 39, of Cergas Murni Sdn Bhd and Raub Razali, 50, director of Giga Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd claimed trial after the charges were read before Magistrate Muhammad Najib Ismail.

Muhammad Najib said however that the case had to be postponed for remention at the Sessions Court on February 28 due to the absence of the Sessions Court for mention today.

Cergas Murni is accused of failing to undertake safety measures during the construction works at the Batu Maung intersection, Package 3A of the Penang Second Bridge about 7 pm on June 6 last year.        

The collapse resulted in the death of former policeman, Tajudin Zainal Abidin and injuries to two civilians Thilasheni Rajendran, 25 and Gajashantini Gajanujan, 25.   

Cergas Murni was charged under Section 17(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1994.

Whereas, Giga Engineering & Construction was accused of failing to ensure the safety of its workers during the construction of the bridge at the same time and place.

The collapse of a section of the Batu Maung Interchange also resulted in the injury of two foreign workers Slamet Toket and Tin Maung Lwin for which Giga Engineering & Construction was charged under Section 15(1) of the OSHA.  

Both the charges are punishable by imprisonment of not more than two years or fine of up to RM50,000 or both, upon conviction.       

The prosecution was conducted by Human Resource deputy prosecutors Norakmar Mohd Sani and Nik Azrin Zairin Nik Abdullah. 

Cergas Murni was represented by counsel Sarita Ashok Khandhar while Giga Engineering & Construction was unrepresented. — Bernama