Malakoff to Conduct Internal Probe After Crane Collapse at Tanjung Bin Complex, Two Contractors Killed
JOHOR BAHRU: Malakoff Corporation Berhad has announced that it will carry out an internal investigation to determine the root cause of a crane collapse that occurred during maintenance works at the jetty of the Tanjung Bin Complex in Pontian on Saturday.
In an official statement, the company said the incident took place at about noon, prompting an immediate response from the plant’s Emergency Response Team (ERT), which was deployed to the scene to manage the situation and support rescue efforts.
According to Malakoff, the incident involved a crane used in coal-handling operations at the jetty area, and the collapse was followed by a fire. Two contractor workers were confirmed dead, while three others sustained injuries and were subsequently admitted to hospital for further treatment.
As a precautionary measure, the affected area has been sealed off to prevent additional hazards and to ensure the safety of personnel on site, including emergency responders. Malakoff said the internal investigation will begin only after rescue operations have been fully completed, allowing the site to be secured and assessed for safe access.
“The safety and well-being of all personnel involved remain our highest priority,” the company said, emphasising that worker safety and site control measures are central to its response.
While the company did not disclose further technical details at this stage, incidents of this nature typically require thorough review of equipment conditions, operational procedures and safety controls — particularly when heavy machinery is involved and maintenance work is being performed. The jetty environment can present additional complexities, including structural constraints, exposure to industrial materials, and the coordination of multiple teams working simultaneously.
Malakoff also sought to reassure stakeholders that the incident has not disrupted operations at the Tanjung Bin Power Plant and the Tanjung Bin Energy Power Plant, both of which will continue operating as usual. This indicates that the event was contained within the jetty area and did not impact core electricity generation activities at the facilities.
The company added that further updates will be provided should there be significant developments, including progress on the investigation or any additional safety measures that may be implemented following the incident.
The announcement comes amid heightened public attention on workplace safety within heavy industry sectors, where crane operations and maintenance activities carry inherent risks.
Experts often point out that incidents can stem from a combination of technical, procedural and environmental factors, making comprehensive investigations essential not only to establish what happened but also to strengthen preventive safeguards.
For workers and nearby communities, the immediate priorities typically include ensuring medical care for those injured, securing the site to prevent secondary incidents, and maintaining transparent communication as investigations proceed.