Crane Collapse at Tanjung Bin Power Plant Kills Two, Triggers Nationwide Safety Review

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has ordered a thorough, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the crane collapse and subsequent fire at the Malakoff-owned Tanjung Bin Power Plant in Pontian, Johor, which claimed the lives of two young workers on Saturday.

Fadillah, who also serves as Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said all relevant authorities must work together to determine the exact cause of the incident and ensure accountability. He directed the Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to lead the probe, in close coordination with the Energy Commission and other technical agencies.

“Any element of negligence, failure to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs), or weaknesses in safety practices must be addressed firmly and without compromise,” he said in a statement.

He added that the management of the power plant and all contractors involved have been instructed to fully cooperate with investigators while also reviewing safety SOPs, equipment maintenance regimes, and risk management measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The ministry, Fadillah said, will closely monitor the progress of the investigation and will not hesitate to take further action if required to ensure safety standards within the national energy industry remain at the highest level.

Reiterating that worker safety and welfare remain a top priority, Fadillah expressed his condolences to the families of the two victims, Muhammad Alfarid Ahmad, 19, and Muhammad Amaluddin Hisamudin, 22.

“Every life is precious. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families and pray that they are granted strength and patience during this difficult time. I also wish a full and speedy recovery to those who were injured,” he said.

Earlier, Pontian Baru Fire and Rescue Station chief Assistant Fire Superintendent Mahadir Mamat confirmed that the incident occurred at about 1pm when a crane transporting coal collapsed within the power plant compound. Two workers were pronounced dead at the scene, while three others sustained injuries.

Firefighters managed to extract the victims from the debris by around 3pm. The bodies were later handed over to the police for further investigation, while the injured workers, all local men, were rushed to Pontian Hospital for treatment.

Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to establish the cause of the collapse and assess compliance with workplace safety regulations.