It is quite apparent that Penang is not equipped to handle major structural disasters, such as the recent second bridge ramp collapse, based on the existing federal government's standard operating procedure (SOP).

The state government has therefore decided to propose amendments to the SOP to include engineers with the relevant expertise to deal with structural disasters, including those from the Public Works Department (JKR), Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

Lim said the state executive council meeting today agreed on three issues, including modification of the SOP, following the June 6 collapse of the Penang Second Bridge ramp on the island.

The proposal will be followed up at the State Security Council meeting next month.

The disaster caused the death of former policeman Tajuddin Zainal Abidin, 45, whose body was pulled out from under 400 tonnes of concrete. Three others were injured.

NONEThe bridge concessionaire is Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned company under the Finance Ministry, while the contractor for the collapsed part - Package 3A - is Cergas Murni Sdn Bhd.

Under the SOP in force, Lim said, only the police and the Fire and Rescue Department could deal with such disasters.

"We need the right people for the right job. We are not blaming the firemen or the police, who so far have done a fantastic job," Lim said.

"In some situations, we need engineers, or doctors, to handle different types of disasters.

"After being at the scene up to 4.30am that day, we noticed that when such structural accidents occur, lifting a 400-tonne beam that collapsed would require an engineering team," he added.

Lim said engineers from various government and private sectors, including experts from the universities, could be roped in to tackle problems that arise in a holistic manner.

Move to issue indefinite stop mwork order

"What we saw that day was disappointing. We needed a crane. The one that was brought was not working and it was not until 4am when we got it working, but then it could not lift the 400-tonne beam as it was only meant for a 300-tonne structure," he said.

"These are the technical natures of situations that can only be addressed by engineers," he stressed.

Lim said the state exco has also decided to instruct the Penang Municipal Council to issue an indefinite stop work order to the second bridge contractors until the existing ramp and bridge structures are declared safe for use.

It was better to delay the project, which has been slated for completion in September, than to be "unsafe and sorry later".

Lim also urged the company responsible for the ramp collapse to engage an independent, international auditor to investigate the incident as soon as possible.

NONE"How to continue work when cars are allowed to use the road despite the bridge still being under construction? This question must be answered. Who is responsible for this?" he asked.

The Penang government handed over a cheque for RM5,000 to Tajuddin's family members, including his brother, two wives and children, who came to see Lim today.

State executive councillor and Batu Maung assemblyperson Abdul Malik Kassim handed over the cheque and said the state would also assist the family to seek legal redress if their negotiations with the company for a proper compensation for Tajuddin's death failed.