ELECTRICAL SURGE IN ANG MO KIO

Mr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for Trade and Industry and Minister for Education (a) what was the actual cause of the recent electrical surge at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Apartment Block 222, where a number of households suffered damage to their household electrical equipment; and (b) whether the households affected will receive assistance for the damages.

Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam: Investigation by the Public Utilities Board revealed that the recent electrical surge at Block 222 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 was caused by failure of a cable joint.

A contractor damaged the cable supplying electricity to Block 222, causing a short circuit. The short circuit was so severe that it caused the cable joint to fail, resulting in a high voltage surge.

PUB has referred the matter of assistance for the damages suffered by the affected residents to the contractor and his insurance company. The insurance company has replied that they will consider the claims by the affected residents. PUB will be glad to assist in any way it can to help the affected residents to lodge their claims against the contractor.