Perak state govt focused on escalator and lift safety

IPOH: The state Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has checked 240 escalators and 993 lifts since the beginning of the year in various buildings in Perak to ensure all safety precautions are in place.
There are a total of 1,383 lifts and 408 escalators operating in buildings in the state.
DOSH director Mohd Hatta Zakaria said so far no injuries or accidents had been reported due to poor maintenance or lack of safety measures.
"The department had not taken action against building owners for non-compliance of safety regulations," he told reporters after the launch of a safety awareness campaign on usage of escalators at Angsana Mall, here today.
Mohd Hatta said building owners, especially owners of shopping complexes will adhere to the rules and regulations since they do not want to lose business due to poor safety standards.
"The department will hold similar campaigns to educate the public on safety measures to be taken when using the escalators and lifts twice a year. We will identify buildings where large crowds converge," he said.
Meanwhile, Pengkalan Hulu assemblyman Aznel Ibrahim, who launched the campaign, urged parents who bring their children to shopping complexes to not let them out of their sight.
"We have seen couples who leave their children to fend for themselves while they do their shopping.
"The children treat the escalators as a playing ground when one can see them running and coming down on the escalators.
"Untoward incidents could happen without adults supervision."
He also raised the issue of children going into lifts without being accompanied by adults.
"In case of emergency the child would not be able to reach the relevant buttons to seek assistance," he added.