©New Straits Times (Used
by permission)
by A. Hafiz Yatim and V. Shuman
KUALA LUMPUR: When it rains, it pours.
After episodes of falling ceiling boards, cracks on the wall,
malfunctioning air–conditioning system and a power outage, the Jalan Duta court
complex was hit with another mishap yesterday.
A burst pipe in the cafeteria at 9am saw the place flooded ankle–deep with
water. The cafeteria was closed for about three hours before the leak was
plugged, the water drained, the floor mopped up and operations could return to
normal.
Security guards tried to stop photographers from taking pictures. Minor scuffles
broke out as the guards tried to push reporters and cameramen out of the
cafeteria.
In the midst of the commotion, policemen had to step in to defuse the situation
between a security guard and a television cameraman and a press photographer.
Senior Public Works Department (PWD) officials and
contractors who rushed to the three–week–old RM270 million court complex were
red–faced.
After an hour of investigations, the problem was detected: A cap used at a
tee–joint was not to specifications.
PWD director–general Datuk Dr Judin Abdul Karim, who was at the scene with his
deputy, N. Selvanyagam, confirmed that the problem was the sub–standard cap.
"The leak happened because the cap gave way," Judin said. "The cap used was PVC
and this was not according to specifications. The contractor should have used
the approved ABS Class 15 cap."
Judin said the cap was replaced and the leak was stopped at 9.40am.
He said there was no damage to the building as the leak was contained early.
He added that the contractor and plumber would be reported to the Construction
Industry Development Board for further action.
The 450–capacity cafeteria was almost full when the incident occurred. Lawyers,
court officials and visitors made a dash for the exit.
There were also many who stayed, moving to the side of the cafeteria to finish
their breakfast while standing and watching the janitors work.
Federal Court acting chief registrar Ahmad Terirudin Mohd Salleh, who also
visited the scene, declined to comment on the leak.
He, however, said he would investigate the scuffle between the security guard
and media personnel.
Lawyer M. Manoharan said the latest incident was an embarrassment.
He urged the Anti–Corruption Agency to begin investigations.
"This involved taxpayers’ money. The public has the right to know if the
construction was carried out according to specifications."