14/01/2026

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WEDNESDAY | JAN 14, 2026

University blast raises alarm over safety lapses

PETALING Routine maintenance and regular safety audits are critical to preventing equipment failures and hazardous incidents at institutions of higher learning, according to a senior engineering academic. UiTM Faculty of Civil Engineering senior lecturer Dr Nor Azmi Bakhary said such failures often stem from lapses in inspection regimes, particularly involving mechanical and utility systems such as air conditioning compressors and gas pipelines. “When inspections are irregular and not properly documented or when identified defects are not followed up, the risk of leaks, system failure and explosions increases significantly.” He added that a robust and well documented safety audit programme allows potential hazards to be identified early and corrective action to be taken before incidents occur. Nor Azmi stressed that in the event of an incident, campus authorities must move swiftly to secure the affected area, evacuate nearby buildings and isolate damaged systems. He said emergency responders should also conduct hazard assessments to identify secondary risks such as gas leaks or structural instability. “Close coordination with fire and rescue teams, medical services and forensic investigators is essential to ensure the safety of students and staff,” he said, adding that prompt reporting to regulatory agencies and transparent communication with the campus community are equally important. Nor Azmi said universities must prioritise the inspection and modernisation of ageing mechanical systems, conduct regular testing of gas and pressure-related equipment, and install advanced leak-detection and automatic shut-off systems. He said full compliance with current engineering and safety codes should be non-negotiable. He added that long-term safety planning should include updated emergency response protocols, regular training for maintenance personnel and building occupants, as well as sustained investment in structural and fire-safety upgrades to ensure older campus facilities meet best-practice safety standards. The blast on Monday occurred at the fourth floor maintenance area of the university near a cafeteria, causing structural damage to the building. The sole fatality in the incident was identified as intern Soo Yu Juan, 24, a third-year mechanical engineering student from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman who was due to complete his industrial training on Jan 15. Others injured included two air-conditioning contractors, a university staff member and two foreign cafeteria workers. They were all admitted to nearby hospitals. Routine checks critical to avert explosions Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com JAYA:

“These include the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, the Fire Services Act 1988, the Factories and Machinery Act 1967, and state and local requirements including the Uniform Building By-Laws. Stronger guidelines, clearer accountability and tighter regulatory oversight are needed to ensure consistent compliance.” Supporting this view, Malaysian Association of Facility Management vice-president Dr Mohd Mazhar Mohd Marzuki said recent infrastructure-related disasters – including the CityOne Megamall explosion in 2018 and the Putra Heights gas pipeline incident in 2025 – show how quickly safety lapses can escalate into large-scale emergencies. 0 Recent disasters expose safety gaps “Following an incident such as the explosion at HELP University, subsequent inspections and investigations should be handed immediately to authorities such as the Fire and Rescue Department,” he said, stressing that post-incident inspections are critical to rule out hidden structural damage. “Shockwaves from blasts can induce unseen cracks or weaknesses in beams, columns and walls that may pose collapse risks. “Electrical systems, air conditioning and mechanical ventilation plants, and fire protection systems must also be thoroughly checked to prevent secondary hazards.” 0 Post-blast checks must be immediate and thorough Mohd Mazhar said early findings suggest the blast occurred in an air conditioning compressor room

defence. Many disasters are avoidable if equipment wear, gas leaks or system faults are detected early.” 0 Prevention is the priority He emphasised the need for permit to-work systems, proper supervision, lockout and isolation procedures and strict adherence to Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment protocols and industry safety codes. Ageing buildings, he added, require special attention. “Once buildings exceed 20 years, outdated wiring, corroded pipes and ageing air-conditioning systems can become dangerous if neglected. Institutions must budget for lifecycle replacements and avoid ‘fix-it-when it-breaks’ approaches.” 0 Older buildings need urgent attention Both experts agreed that universities must act decisively following recent events. Muhammad Najib urged managements to immediately secure affected areas, commission independent structural and mechanical assessments and communicate transparently with stakeholders. “Building users should report unusual conditions such as heat, smell, vibrations or leaks without delay. From a governance standpoint, universities must strengthen oversight of maintenance funding, enforce safety compliance at all levels and integrate building risk management into executive decision-making.” Mohd Mazhar said investing in up to-date maintenance practices and relevant technologies, upgrading ageing infrastructure and rigorously enforcing safety protocols are critical to protecting campus communities. “The blast at the private university

o Experts cite ageing infrastructure, weak governance and lax enforcement as key risks

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

refrigerant leaks and even explosions,” he said. “These incidents can result in loss of life, serious injuries, damage to property, operational shutdowns, legal liabilities, reputational harm and significant financial costs for remediation and compensation.” 0 Not an isolated incident Muhammad Najib stressed that the explosion was not an isolated case. “In 2024, a major fire at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s engineering campus destroyed critical equipment in a computer laboratory and forced the temporary closure of facilities. “Internationally, tragedies such as the Florida International University pedestrian bridge collapse (2018) demonstrate the catastrophic consequences of lapses in engineering oversight and safety management. “These cases underline the critical importance of robust maintenance regimes, regular inspections and effective risk mitigation to protect lives, assets and institutional continuity.” 0 Maintenance failures can lead to catastrophic outcomes Muhammad Najib said maintenance practices tend to be weakest on campuses with decentralised management structures, limited funding and a culture that prioritises reactive repairs over preventive planning. While policies and regulations governing building safety are already in place, enforcement remains inconsistent, he said. 0 Rules exist, enforcement lags Public universities, although statutory bodies under the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, are still legally required to comply with national laws, said Muhammad Najib.

PETALING JAYA: Poor maintenance of air-conditioning systems is a widespread and dangerous problem across Malaysian universities. The fatal explosion at a private campus in Bukit Damansara serves as a stark reminder of the risks of neglect. The blast, allegedly caused by a faulty air-conditioning compressor, killed one person, injured several others and disrupted campus operations. 0 A fatal warning on campus safety Universiti Teknologi Malaysia property economics and finance expert Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Najib Razali said such risks are especially pronounced at older campuses, where ageing infrastructure, tight budgets and weak maintenance governance often converge. “Poor maintenance is fairly common, especially in older campuses where systems are ageing and budgets are constrained,” he said. 0 Ageing infrastructure, weak governance heighten risks Citing research on Malaysian public universities, Muhammad Najib said inadequate funding, deteriorating infrastructure and reactive maintenance practices contribute to higher risks of electrical faults, overheating, poor indoor air quality, mould growth and fire hazards – all of which directly threaten occupant safety. “From a risk management perspective, inadequate maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems, including air-conditioning, can escalate into serious incidents such as fires, electrical short circuits, KUALA LUMPUR: MIC has suggested that the government introduce a nationwide free school transport scheme by leveraging existing school bus operators, taking inspiration from Sarawak’s recently launched free school bus initiative. MIC vice president Datuk T. Murugiah said Sarawak’s pilot project, which began at SJK Chung Hua No. 6 in Kuching, had shown positive results in reducing traffic congestion around schools while enhancing student safety. “I urge the federal government to provide free transport for school students nationwide. This can be implemented immediately by utilising existing school buses, with the full transportation cost absorbed by the government to ease the financial burden on parents,” he said in a statement. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg said the

during routine maintenance, with a Hazmat assessment ruling out hazardous gases. Nevertheless, he warned against complacency. “The key lesson is not speculation, but prevention. Preventive maintenance is the first line of MIC proposes nationwide free school bus scheme

is a sobering reminder for all facility managers that safety must be actively managed day-to-day and not only responded to in crisis.”