BY R.S.N.MURALI

MALACCA: All 149 signboards standing along junctions in Malacca will be inspected to ensure their stability.

The directive came after a signboard crushed a 64-year-old security guard to death at the Pokok Mangga and Klebang traffic light junction on Tuesday morning.

The victim, Ahmad Yusof Omar, from Taman Tangga Batu, Tanjung Keling, was coming to a stop at the traffic lights when the signboard came crashing down at about 7.15am.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said initial investigations by the local council found that strong winds could have caused the steel frame of the signboard to topple and crush the victim.

“The steel structure was put up at the junction in 2009 and was supposed to be only temporary but it has been there with various advertisers placing new canvas advertisements on it over the years,” he said.

Idris said he has instructed the Malacca Historic City Council (MBMB) to conduct an in-depth probe into the incident and see what action could be taken against the contractor who erected the signboard seven years ago.

“It’s sad to see the family of the victim mourning the loss of their loved one and the incident should not have happened.

“I hope some sort of compensation or justice could be served,” he said.

Idris said the inspection of the remaining signboards was to ensure such incidents do not occur again.

“If there is a need to remove any, then the local council should do so,” he added.