KOTA SAMARAHAN: A company was fined RM25,000 over the death of a contractor who was struck by an electrical arc while carrying out fibre-optic cable detection work in Kampung Mayang Kawan last year.
The company, acting as the principal, pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 18B(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA) for failing to conduct a risk assessment for the work being carried out.
The Sarawak Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) said the case was heard at Kota Samarahan Sessions Court on July 31 before Judge Shafiza Datu Abdul Razak Tready.
Based on the case facts, the 40-year-old victim was carrying out work to locate installed fibre-optic cables at around 2pm on Aug 7, 2025, when he was struck by an electrical arc and sustained serious injuries.
He was initially rushed to Serian Hospital before being transferred to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) for further treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries the following day (Aug 8).
The company was represented by its director, who entered a guilty plea on its behalf.
The court then imposed a RM25,000 fine for the offence under Section 18B(1) of OSHA 1994.
Following this, DOSH said that it would take firm action against any failure to comply with occupational safety and health requirements, stressing that employers must ensure safe and healthy working environments.
