KUCHING: It has almost been a week since an explosion occurred at the CityOne Megamall here which claimed three lives, but some tenants are expressing concern over their safety. The tenants told New Sarawak Tribune that they are hoping that the management can ensure the safety of the complex in order to ease both the public and their concern, after authorities revealed that the explosion (Dec 4) was caused by a gas leak at a yet-toopen food chain outlet. A tenant who did not want to be identified said the mall is not ready to reopen fully because currently only Block C and D are operating while Block A and B are still closed.
“Hence, it is not advisable to reopen the mall after considering the safety concern of the mall’s patrons and workers in the premises,” the tenant said. Thus, it is hoped that the relevant authorities can come in and take a good look at whether it is safe to reopen the mall. Although the management claimed that it is safe to reopen the mall many are still skeptical about the safety aspects. The tenant asked: “For example, from whom do we claim our losses apart from other problems we are facing.” S ome of the tenants also expressed fear as rumours are circulating around that a section of the mall’s structure is seriously affected by the explosion. The tenants also said that they are still traumatised by the incident.
Meanwhile, the mall’s advertising and promotion manager Fiona Cosmos Meludu said the management is looking forward to the shoppers’ return and also for the tenants to serve them once again. “At the section of the mall where the explosion happened, major repair is in progress as safety is our main concern,” Fiona said, adding that some of the tenants are not opening for business because their workers are not available and their goods have to be arranged properly first.
In a statement issued by Kenbest Sdn Bhd director Stephen Long Tine Chung, who is the developer of CityOne Megamall, Certified Structural Engineer Consultants have verified that the localised explosion has not impacted the structural integrity of the building. CityOne also announced yesterday that clearance from the authorities has been received to reopen Block C and Block D of the mall. Block A and B are expected to reopen on Wednesday, December 12.
