By Dewi Abdul Rahman
SHAH ALAM, July 25 — The Selangor government has ordered operators of projects near rivers or residential areas to build safety fences and block off access to dangerous areas, especially those hazardous to children.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim said though existing safety controls are sufficient, there is a need for improvement for at-risk areas near residential or public areas.
“This site is under the Selangor Maritime Gateway (SMG) project, and construction hasn’t started, but river excavation works caused a pool of stagnant water,” he said when met after the launch of Ehsan brand frozen food products at the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation Building here today.
The order for enhanced safety around project sites was issued after two children drowned at a site near Seksyen 24 here on July 18.
“We hope that with this move, the safety of residents, especially children, can be ensured. All parties involved in the project must be more aware of safety risks around rivers,” Izham said.
Previously, police confirmed that two boys, aged nine and 12, drowned while playing in the pool.
