32 escalator incidents recorded in Malaysia since 2011

A total 32 incidents involving escalators were recorded nationwide from 2011 to June this year.

Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) director-general Datuk Mohtar Musri said investigations found that most victims were children aged six years and below.

"In most cases, the children were allowed to use the escalators without parental or adult supervision.

"Four escalator mishaps were reported to DOSH this year. On average, four to five cases were reported to DOSH each year," he said when launching the Federal Territory Escalator Usage Safety Campaign with the cooperation of the Malaysian Lift and Escalator Association, Sunway Putra Mall and Parenthood Ventures Sdn Bhd. Mohtar reminded owners of premises to always ensure every escalator installed on their premises were periodically maintained. Some 10,951 escalators were registered with DOSH.

Mohtar was confident that mishaps could be avoided as most escalators in the country have safety devices, are maintained monthly and have valid qualification certificates.

"Signages have also been installed to remind the public that escalators must be used properly," he said, hoping the public would use escalators with caution.