Death of motorcyclist in billboard collapse prompts probe

MALACCA: An elderly man on a motorcycle was killed after a billboard fell on him today during heavy rain, prompting Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Haron to call on local authorities for coordination in installing billboards.
Ahmad Yusop Omar, 64, died after the billboard fell on him as he waited at the traffic lights in Jalan Pokok Mangga on his way to Klebang, said Malacca Tengah Police chief ACP Shaikh Abdul Adzis Shaikh Abdullah.
He said Ahmad Yusop, a security guard from Taman Tangga Batu, died on the spot in the accident at 7.15am.
"The billboard comes under the supervision of the Historical City of Malacca Council," he told reporters.
Meanwhile, Idris said he had received many complaints of too many billboards in the city.
As such, he said, the state government was in the process of coordinating with the local authorities on the putting up of billboards.
"We have instructed the Historical City of Malacca Council and other local authorities to work with MICTH (government subsidiary Melaka ICT Holdings Sdn Bhd) on LED billboards," he told reporters after launching the state-level Teacher's Day celebration.
Idris said the LED billboards would have to be stronger than the ordinary ones.
He also said that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the accident and on the approval for the billboard.
Idris conveyed his condolences to the family of Ahmad Yusop. — Bernama