Sibu shophouse collapse prompts broader study of ageing buildings, says SMC chief

SIBU (Feb 17): The recent collapse of an eight-unit shophouse block at Jalan Pahlawan has prompted the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) to consider a wider structural study of ageing buildings in the town, with public safety as the top priority.

SMC chairman Clarence Ting said a meeting chaired by State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang recently had decided that further developments would be announced after Feb 23, pending the Public Works Department (JKR)’s assessment and recommendations.

“Right now, the building is not safe. It is still unstable. We do not allow anyone to enter the building for the time being,” he told reporters during his Chinese New Year open house.

On whether the incident would trigger inspections of other ageing buildings in Sibu, he acknowledged that a broader study is necessary.

“For the safety of the public, a study will definitely have to be undertaken,” he said, adding that any preventive measures would likely focus on the affected area first.

Ting noted that while there are no current signs of structural distress in nearby shophouses, the entire affected block has been sealed off as a precaution.

“There is no sign of distress in the other shophouses. Only the eight units are affected. But the whole block cannot be entered because any movement inside poses a danger,” he said.

He called on all shophouse owners in the affected block to contact SMC immediately to facilitate swift action.

“If we condemn the building, the owners will have to bring it down quickly. This is not a government-owned building. It belongs to private shophouse owners,” he said.

He added that the decision on whether the structure should be demolished, dismantled, or repaired rests with JKR as the technical authority.

Police personnel remain stationed at the site to prevent public access. Ting thanked the police for helping maintain safety and ensure no one enters the unstable premises.

The incident has sparked wider public concern over the condition of older commercial buildings in Sibu, with SMC now considering longer-term measures to strengthen structural monitoring and encourage early reporting of visible defects.

Ting urged property owners who notice cracks or irregularities in their premises to report them promptly.

“This is a long-term process. If owners see something unusual, they should report to SMC,” he said.