from: Tan Yean Chin, via email

Following the extreme weather conditions on the evening of June 3 when heavy rain, strong winds and hailstorms wreaked havoc in the Klang Valley, the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) is thankful that there were no major untoward incidents and loss of life.

IEM would like to raise concern that under extreme wind gust conditions, there is risk of parts and portions of buildings and structures such as signboards detaching and becoming harmful projectiles in the air.

IEM considers it important to highlight the need for owners, asset managers and relevant authorities to check that the integrity of such structures and the condition of fastenings are well-maintained and have not deteriorated over time.

IEM would emphasise that in general, buildings and some signboards that require a professional engineer’s design would have to be properly designed, supervised and endorsed by the respective professional engineer to comply with the requirements of the Malaysian National Wind Code in accordance with the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984.

IEM strongly believes that public safety is of the utmost concern and IEM with its members’ technical expertise are ready to assist the relevant authorities on this matter.

Tan Yean Chin is president of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia

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