MR. SOH BENG HOCK, TIJ CONSULTANTS

I would like to share a story about Mr. Soh Beng Hock, an exceptionally experienced professional with nearly 40 years in the industry and the founder of TIJ Consultants, whose business interests extend beyond Malaysia and Singapore to the broader SEA region. 

I had the honor of working alongside him on numerous projects across various industries, focusing on ISO 9000, ISO 45000, and ISO 14000, including being part of the first desalination company in Malaysia to achieve ISO 9000 certification. Throughout my time with him, I learned a great deal from his expertise, professionalism, and dedication. 

He is undeniably competent, highly experienced, and an accomplished assessor accredited by multiple international certification bodies. I am truly proud to have been part of such a remarkable organization and to have gained invaluable insights under his guidance. 

CASE STUDY AT A FOOD PROCESSING FACTORY

A friend once asked me to join him in a routine assessment at a food-processing factory, something that I have passion in but I was there only to check on the documentation as my friend was the technical expert.

Findings

The boiler’s feedwater tank was found to have excessive sediment buildup, causing slight fluctuation in boiler pressure and reduced heating efficiency.

The sediment layer indicated inconsistent water treatment and infrequent blowdown, leading to partial blockage at the feedwater inlet strainer.

Root Cause

The excessive sediment buildup in the boiler feedwater system was primarily caused by inconsistent water treatment and infrequent blowdown, resulting from inadequate operator adherence to the established maintenance schedule.

Contributing factors include insufficient monitoring of feedwater quality, leading to undetected increases in total dissolved solids (TDS) and sludge accumulation, and a clogged feedwater strainer that was not cleaned according to the preventive maintenance plan.

Solution

1) Perform immediate blowdown to remove accumulated sludge.

2) Clean or replace the feedwater strainer.

3) Reinstate proper water treatment dosing and implement a scheduled blowdown routine (daily/weekly depending on load).

4) Include feedwater quality checks in the preventive maintenance checklist.

DOSH Regulations for Boilers in Malaysia

Factories and Machinery (Steam Boiler & Unfired Pressure Vessel) Regulations 1970

This is the primary DOSH regulation under the Factories and Machinery Act 1967 that governs steam boilers and unfired pressure vessels requiring regular inspection, maintenance, and safety controls of boilers.

• OSHA on Certification and Competency Requirements - requirement for competent persons - both a steam boiler engineer and boiler operator must be designated.

• Certificate of Fitness (CF) - Boiler/pressure vessels require a valid DOSH's CF issued after inspection to confirm compliance with the safety regulations.

(This case study was from early 2023 but latest DOSH Regulations (2024–2025 Updates) - New CF Regime - OSH Regulations 2024 (PUA 99/2024) effective 1 June 2024 - (Plant requiring CF) Certain plants, including steam boilers, must obtain a CF before they can operate. Periodic inspections required to maintain validity. CF is not unlimited: the validity is capped (e.g. as per industry commentary, not exceeding 15 months).

If there are repairs that affect the strength of the boiler, DOSH may require another hydrostatic test before recertification.

• Owner/Occupier Duties - must operate and maintain the boiler in a safe and proper condition including testing the control and safety devices (e.g., safety valves, pressure gauges) periodically according to manufacturer’s recommendations, keeping logbook and records of operation, inspections, repairs, breakdowns.

During a DOSH inspection, they need to ensure the boiler is ready for inspection per DOSH’s checklist

SSI

Plants approved under SSI, the CF period can be extended much longer depending on type of plant, risk category, integrity history
inspection intervals approved by DOSH,

Typical extensions under SSI may allow:

a) Pressure vessels to run on extended intervals
b) Inspection schedules aligned with API 510, API 570, API 653
c) Boilers or critical equipment to follow risk-based inspection (RBI) intervals
d) Major shutdown cycles (e.g., every 4–6 years) instead of annual shutdowns

The plant requires :

1) RBI (risk based inspection)
2) Documented degradation mechanisms
3) Predictive maintenance
4) Certified in-house inspection engineers
5) DOSH audit/verification

SSI does not remove the need for CF.

It only allows extended intervals for inspection and CF renewal with DOSH approval.

e.g.

A normal air receiver or pressure vessel:

a) CF renewed every 12–15 months

Same vessel under SSI with RBI approval:

- CF may be aligned to a 3–5 year inspection cycle
- Internal inspection may coincide with major turnaround
- Online NDT and monitoring replace some physical shutdowns

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

There have been quite a number of mistaken identity cases, many people think I’m either my younger brother, my elder brother, or even my eldest brother maybe because the face looks familiar (FYI my name and my eldest are so similar) I always end up having to point to the mole on my forehead just to prove I’m not one of them. I’ve never actually asked why people keep confusing us, but it happens often enough that I’ve just gotten used to it.

ISLAMOPHOBIA

Islamophobia isn’t just fearing a religion; it hurts ordinary people who want to live in peace. Muslims have the same hopes as anyone, to work, raise families, and be treated with dignity. No one should face suspicion for their name, greeting, or dress. Islam teaches mercy, justice, and compassion, values shared by all. Standing against Islamophobia isn’t about division, it’s about protecting human dignity. Defending others’ rights strengthens our shared humanity.

GIVER AND RECEIVER OF BRIBE

When a person is proven - or even suspected - of receiving a bribe, the authorities will detain them for investigation. Some people ask why the person who provides information about the bribe is also taken in.

The answer is straightforward, the informant could also be a suspect, potentially the giver of the bribe.Under the law, both the giver and the receiver of a bribe can be investigated and, if proven guilty, will face the full force of the law.Being the giver of a bribe does not make someone a whistleblower. The law does not grant special treatment or leniency to a bribe giver who later provides information. Both the giver and the receiver remain liable and can be investigated accordingly------------- 2/12/2025 A bribe giver remains a bribe giver, regardless of how it’s packaged whether called a “gift,” a “processing fee,” given under pressure, or passed through another party to secure personal gain. Bribery should never be normalised or softened with creative labels. What disappoints me most is seeing individuals who are expected to uphold the law searching for excuses or shifting narratives, often out of fear of political pressure or public backlash. Integrity means applying the law consistently, not selectively. If we start bending principles to protect certain parties, we undermine the very justice system we claim to defend. And let’s be honest, it’s impossible to claim that the giver gains nothing. No one hands out a bribe without expecting some form of benefit in return. Pretending otherwise only distorts the truth and weakens the fight against corruption. A person who gives a bribe under any circumstances, being coerced or voluntary, cannot claim the role of an informant or whistleblower, nor portray themselves as a victim, because their own illegal actions disqualify them from such protection.

Volcano in Ethiopia after 10,000 - 12,000 years

The eruption of the Hayli Gubbi Volcano in Ethiopia is the first in approximately 10,000 to 12,000 years. This eruption has produced a massive volume of volcanic ash, forming thick smoke plumes and dark clouds that have covered several areas in the country.

These plumes of smoke and dark clouds are now drifting across Sana’a (Yemen), Muscat (Oman), Karachi (Pakistan) and Delhi (India), causing numerous flight cancellations. The phenomenon also brings various health risks, including breathing difficulties due to toxic gases, exposure to crystalline silica that can lead to lung inflammation, as well as eye and skin irritation. Fallen ash can also contaminate food and water sources, affecting not only humans but also animals, livestock and vegetation.

If these plumes rise higher into the atmosphere, they can reflect sunlight, causing temporary cooling, while also increasing the likelihood of acid rain.

When a Society Fails Its Most Vulnerable

The recent viral video of a homeless man being kicked and splashed with water outside a bank is more than just an isolated act of cruelty, it is a mirror reflecting the state of our humanity. In the clip, a sleeping man, defenseless, cold, and with nowhere else to go is treated not as a human being but as an inconvenience. The actions of those involved may already be under investigation, but the deeper question remains, What does this say about us as a society?

True humanity is tested not by how we treat those with power, status, or wealth, but by how we treat those who have none. The homeless, often invisible in our daily rush, exist at the intersection of poverty, social neglect, and structural failure. Yet the harshest judgment often falls on them, instead of on the systems that failed to protect them.

To its credit, the bank issued an apology and pledged full cooperation with the authorities. But corporate statements alone cannot mend the deeper fracture. Professional conduct, empathy, and dignity must extend beyond policies, they must be lived values. Outsourced guard or not, every partner, every employee, every citizen carries a responsibility to uphold basic decency.

Incidents like this force us to confront uncomfortable truths,

"Have we normalised the dehumanisation of the vulnerable? Do we only show compassion when a video goes viral? And what does it say about our moral compass when frustration becomes justification for violence?"

Being human is not about perfection. It is about choosing empathy even when it is inconvenient, uncomfortable, or unseen. A society that cannot protect its weakest members is a society that is slowly losing its soul.

Perhaps the lesson from this disturbing incident is simple:

Before we act, before we judge, before we turn someone into a “nuisance” remember that they, too, are someone’s child, someone’s story, someone who deserves dignity.

Humanity begins when we stop looking away.

RADIUSES VS RADII

During the review of a document related to road construction, I have noted that the term ‘radiuses’ was used instead of the correct plural form ‘radii’. In such and important documentation, accurate technical terminology is essential to prevent misinterpretation. Am not saying "radiuses" is wrong but it is also less common in casual or general English, especially outside technical contexts.

Here’s an example:

“The highway design includes three horizontal curves with radii of 500 m, 750 m, and 1,000 m to ensure safe vehicle turning speeds.”

Here, radii refers to the different curvature measurements of each road bend.

FIFA VS FAM

When all (or almost all) of the naturalised players suddenly “happen” to have "Malaysian grandparents", it immediately raises a pattern-based red flag for FIFA. FIFA’s compliance and legal teams don’t just check documents they analyse consistency of narrative, statistical plausibility, and whether multiple cases share : similar stories, similar supporting documents, similar formatting, similar sources, similar submission patterns

So yes, the “consistent information” provided by the agent is the very thing that triggered FIFA’s suspicion.

WHEN FLOODS STRIKE

When floods strike, many agencies mobilize at once. High-level action committees, Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia, Civil Defense, the Malaysian Armed Forces , PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) , Tenaga Nasional Berhad, utility providers, the media, and weather services all play critical roles in keeping people safe. On the prevention and construction front (flood mitigation), Public Works Department Malaysia [Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia], local councils, and the Land Office managing reserves, right of way etc. Also not forgetting CIDB Malaysia, DOSH and even DOE (JABATAN ALAM SEKITAR MALAYSIA)

But the true unsung hero in flood mitigation is the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) (and the fabulous team in National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) They are the technical backbone providing hydrology and rainfall data, flood modelling and forecasting, drainage and mitigation design, urban and rural drainage standards, river and coastal management, and even ensuring road profiles are engineered to channel water efficiently during heavy storms. I’ve had the honour of working with them and their excellent engineering consulting teams many times. (for the record : their Hydrological Procedure No1- Estimation of Design Rainstorm in Peninsular Malaysia (HP 1) still amazed me) 

Their work is rarely visible to the public, yet it is crucial in preventing disasters long before they reach the surface. DID remains the core technical and engineering force behind effective flood management. 

Less but not least - my hats off to consultants, contractors and even my friends in AMIOSH RESOURCES SDN. BHD. The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) and PAM for their valuable inputs during my assignment with DID.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

I’ve seen hardworking people everywhere, not just in Malaysia. What really strikes me is how ordinary Americans juggle multiple jobs just to get through the day. They push through exhaustion, age, rising costs, mortgages, bills, and debts with remarkable resilience. Yet despite all that, when someone shows kindness, whether paying it forward or offering a small cash gift, they respond with such genuine gratitude. It reminds me that perseverance and appreciation can still go hand in hand, even in tough times.

We Should Rethink our OSH Structure as Safety Is a Human Capital Issue

In Malaysia, DOSH has been parked under the Ministry of Human Resources for decades, yet ironically, workplace safety is rarely treated as an HR-driven function. In most projects and factories, HSE still sits in a silo under operations or engineering, even though safety is fundamentally about people.

This disconnect is one of the reasons safety culture remains inconsistent across industries.

When I was involved in the KLCC project, part of the Safety portfolio was placed under HR when I was the HR Manager. It worked surprisingly well. HR handled workmen compensation, insurance, legal compliance, liaison with DOSH and authorities, and even visitor management where safety protocols mattered.

All safety induction, awareness and competency programmes were integrated into the ISO framework under Resource Management.

It created a holistic system where : 

• safety wasn’t just compliance,
• HR ensured competencies and culture, and 
• operations executed technical controls.

Looking back, the model actually solved a structural issue we still see today.

How can this be improved nationwide?

1. Integrate HSE with HR instead of isolating it.

Dual reporting to HR + Project/Operations eliminates silos and aligns safety with human capital.

2. Make HR the anchor for training, induction, certification and ISO competency requirements.

Safety culture starts with people, not paperwork.

3. Treat safety as part of Human Capital Protection, not just technical compliance.

Globally, safety sits under human development not merely engineering.

4. Create stronger coordination between DOSH, CIDB, DOE etc.

5. Fragmented oversight leads to inconsistent implementation.

Malaysia has the regulations. What we need now is integration between ministries, departments, and especially within organisations.

Because at the end of the day, safety is not about reports, audits or equipment - It’s about people going home safely every single day.

And no one understands people better than HR.

LEADERSHIP 101

When you’re a President, CEO, or MD or hold any top position in a large organization - imagine knowing the names of everyone, especially the support staff, rather than everyone just knowing yours. I’ve witnessed positive changes when the person at the top knows almost everyone’s name, even at subsidiary levels. If knowing every name isn’t feasible, start by pausing to ask how people are doing when they greet you. Being recognized by name is meaningful, but being remembered for small, thoughtful actions is even greater. Some top executives take the time beforehand to review the names of the people they are about to meet.

Temporary Steel Canopy Collapse at RUB 16, ECRL – My Observations and Reflections

Note: I had always hoped to contribute to the project, but unfortunately there was no response from the relevant CCCC/ECRL parties to whom I had emailed my CV and company profile.

About 3.8 km from where I live, at around 2.00 pm, a temporary steel canopy structure on the ECRL project collapsed. I happened to be in KL at the time, so I couldn’t visit the location, but after reviewing a video, several photos, and initial news reports, I managed to get a reasonable sense of what had occurred. Our chat group immediately lit up with amazement and theories. I had to smile when someone said, “It just fell by itself.” Even if it looked that way, every structural failure has root causes that must be examined.

Most importantly, I breathed a huge sigh of relief that no one was hurt or killed. It is almost a miracle that the woman driving the Suzuki Swift escaped completely unharmed.

1) My "Initial Assessment"

Based on the available video frames, the collapse appears to be a progressive structural failure, not a sudden, unexplained fall. The sequence clearly shows the canopy tilting from one side first, indicating an asymmetric loss of support, which typically marks the beginning of instability in temporary works.

Temporary structures such as steel canopies depend heavily on proper bracing, anchorage, sequencing, and balanced load distribution. Any deviation, whether due to dismantling, improper tightening of bolts, or uneven settlement, can immediately turn the structure unstable.

2) Key Observations

• Initial Leaning: One support frame appears to have tilted first, suggesting possible failure at the base, bolt connections, or removal of key members,

• Asymmetric Load Transfer: Once one side lost stability, the remaining members likely experienced overload, leading to a chain-reaction failure.

• No External Impact: There is no sign of vehicle collision or crane contact, pointing toward internal structural or procedural issues.

• High Sensitivity of Temporary Works: Factors such as ground settlement, inadequate lateral bracing, vibrations from passing vehicles, or premature component removal can all contribute to collapse.

Taken together, these early indicators point toward issues such as procedural non-compliance, premature dismantling, inadequate bracing, or support failure.

3. Possible Root-Cause Hypothesis (Based on Visual Evidence Only)

Immediate Cause (Most Likely) - loss of stability in one of the temporary support frames possibly from:

• bolt loosening

• base settlement

• removal of a key structural member

• failure of a brace or joint

4. Contributing Factors

• Improper or unsafe dismantling sequence (this depends on whether the authority have approved the dismantling of temporary structures at the point of incident or otherwise) Fatigue or corrosion in bolts and connectors can also be the case, if the temporary structure overstayed its intended duration

• Insufficient lateral bracing,

• Vibrations from traffic below

• Inadequate supervision or communication

• Human error, such as removing the wrong component

5. Underlying Causes

• Weakness in the temporary works design or review,

• Missing or insufficient inspection procedures (torque checks, level checks, bracing checks),

• Deviation from the approved method statement (AMS)

6. What It Likely Was NOT

• Not caused by road users

• Not due to a collision

• Not a spontaneous collapse with no cause

7. Conclusion

The evidence points toward a preventable collapse resulting from instability in temporary supports combined with procedural or sequencing issues during dismantling.

8. Additional Technical Considerations

When I first reviewed the video, several failure possibilities became immediately noticeable:

• Inadequate Lateral Bracing - Temporary structures depend heavily on lateral restraint. Missing or weak bracing can allow swaying or buckling even under minor forces,

• Wind Load Underestimation,,

• Temporary structures often overlook lateral or uplift forces from wind. Even a brief gust can destabilize a lightly braced canopy,

• Base or Foundation Instability - Temporary supports often sit on pads or jacks. Soft soil, uneven settlement, or minor shifting can cause a tilt that progressively worsens,

8.1 Connection Failure

Bolts, welds, or connectors may fail due to:

• fatigue,

• improper tightening,

• corrosion,

• prolonged exposure beyond intended duration

• Load Reversal / Unplanned Loads - If a crane lift or material shift occurred nearby, the structure may have been subjected to forces not accounted for in the temporary works design.

8.2 Sequential Collapse

• Once one member fails, loads redistribute. Temporary structures with low redundancy often collapse rapidly once the first critical point gives way.

9. What Should Be Investigated Further

Authorities should look into:

• Baseplates and jack supports for signs of settlement or lateral displacement,

• Failed bolts and connections for metallurgical or fatigue analysis,

• Presence, adequacy, and installation quality of lateral bracing,

• Historical wind data at the moment of collapse,

• Compliance with the temporary works design and approved dismantling sequence

• Recent activity: Was any component removed earlier that day? Was there lifting or shifting nearby?

• Even small displacements, if unrestrained, can lead to progressive collapse.

10. My Likely Scenario

A plausible explanation is:

• The canopy lacked sufficient lateral bracing or had weakening components (fatigue, corrosion, or loose bolts),

• A brace, joint, or connection failed-possibly suddenly, possibly gradually.

• Load paths shifted, overstressing other members.

• The base or frame on one side leaned, lost stability, and initiated a tipping or folding sequence.

• Without adequate restraint or redundancy, the structure collapsed under its own weight or a minor lateral force.

This aligns with what we see in the video: a tilt, followed by progressive collapse.

11. Lessons and Recommendations

• Always design temporary works for worst-case wind and lateral loads,

• Use independent checks for bracing, connections, and anchorage,

• Conduct regular inspections, especially for older or long-standing temporary structures,

• Enforce strict sequencing during erection and dismantling.

• Use tie-backs or guy wires for tall or slender temporary canopies.

• Monitor and verify ground conditions, base supports, and torque on all key connections.

----------- DOSH stated that the temporary steel canopy which crashed onto a moving car along the MRR2 likely collapsed after being struck by a skylift boom during inspection work. According to their statement, the subcontractor, Wuhan Construction Sdn. Bhd., was carrying out a paint-thickness inspection when the skylift boom impacted the canopy.

While I agree with DOSH’s preliminary findings, I believe the full investigation is still ongoing and rightly so. Their explanation identifies the trigger, but in structural engineering, the trigger is rarely the root cause.

A skylift boom striking a structure can indeed cause local failure if the structure is already vulnerable. However, a properly designed, adequately braced, and securely anchored temporary canopy should not collapse catastrophically from a single accidental knock.

This suggests the skylift impact was the initiating event, but the structure likely had pre-existing weaknesses, making it susceptible to sudden instability.

In other words, the skylift boom was almost certainly the final trigger not the sole cause.

It is important to wait for the complete forensic investigation, which should examine: bracing configuration, bolt tightness, condition, and possible fatigue, wind load history, vibration exposure from heavy traffic, dismantling or inspection sequence, adequacy of temporary works design, supervision and procedural compliance.

A safe temporary structure is expected to withstand a minor accidental impact. If it collapses instantly, it indicates that the system was already compromised.

-------

Would this be right?

1) Wuhan Construction was carrying out paint-thickness inspection.
2) Workers were in the skylift cage, raised near the steel canopy.
3) During positioning or movement, the boom or basket made contact with the canopy.
4) If the canopy had weak bracing or loose joints, it failed upon impact.
The structure dropped onto the road below.

But again :

A properly designed temporary canopy should withstand minor accidental impact (this is industry norm).

So if a small collision caused total collapse, the deeper root causes may be:

- inadequate temporary works design
- missing or weak bracing
- poor joint tightening
- corrosion/weakening
- improper erection
- lack of supervision or approval for temporary works

The skylift may be the trigger, not the reason.

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READ BETWEEN THE LINES

When I go on site for an audit & see a worker without a safety helmet, will ask him/her to stop and then turn to the supervisor: Was there proper induction? Did the worker understand it? Is there documented information? That’s where the real issue lies. To blame the worker is reactive/firefighting when the root cause usually points to missing documentation, poor induction, or lack of understanding. In that sense, the responsibility falls on the supervisor, not the worker. My point is simple. Sometimes we see the immediate fault as the root cause when the real root cause is elsewhere