CIDB Launches Full Investigation into ECRL Temporary Structure Collapse on MRR2

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has initiated a detailed investigation into the collapse of a temporary steel canopy at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) construction site along the MRR2 highway near Batu Caves. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, has raised public concern after debris from the structure crushed a motorist’s vehicle. The woman escaped with the help of bystanders before emergency teams arrived.

Investigation Triggered Under Act 520

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi confirmed that CIDB is probing the incident under Section 34C of the Malaysian Construction Industry Development Act (Act 520). The investigation aims to determine whether any breaches of safety compliance or construction standards contributed to the collapse.

Although the ECRL project does not fall directly under the Works Ministry, Nanta emphasised that CIDB has the authority to act.

“CIDB has begun a detailed investigation, and we have instructed the project developer, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), to stop all construction activities in the affected zone immediately,” he said during a press conference in Shah Alam.

The stop-work order took effect Nov 19, pending assessment of the incident’s root cause and confirmation that all required safety protocols are in place.

Incident Occurred on Busy Public Road

Given that the collapse happened on a major public route, Nanta stressed that ensuring safety for road users is the top priority.

He noted that a thorough investigation is necessary:

“This incident occurred on a public road and has understandably caused public concern. CIDB must take decisive action and ensure the project is halted until safety is fully assured.”

The temporary canopy collapse happened around 2pm, and video clips circulating online showed the severity of the accident. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.

Broader Context for the Construction Industry

The incident also puts a spotlight on Malaysia’s ongoing infrastructure and development boom, particularly around key corridors like Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. These areas are simultaneously seeing significant demand for:

• Commercial property in KL, driven by transit projects and central business activity

• Industrial land in Selangor, especially for logistics, warehousing and data centre developments

• Factory expansion in Puchong, a growing industrial hub

• Office space in Bukit Jalil, supported by major mixed-use developments

• Industrial property in the Subang area, which remains a preferred location for engineering and manufacturing firms

With construction activity intensifying in Greater KL, compliance, safety audits and enforcement by CIDB and related agencies have become increasingly critical to prevent similar incidents.