{
  "id": 19295071,
  "title": "Penang High Court restoration faces scrutiny after ceiling collapse",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/penang-high-court-restoration-faces-scrutiny-after-ceiling-collapse",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-10T06:29:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/11/1574614/penang-high-court-restoration-faces-scrutiny-after-ceiling-collapse"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "George Town, Penang - A section of the ceiling at the recently restored Penang High Court disintegrated during the Deepavali weekend, sparking safety concerns and calls for a thorough investigation. Senior lawyer RSN Rayer expressed disappointment, stating that the incident occurred only two years after the RM18.9 million restoration project concluded in July 2024. The courtroom's roof is now nearly collapsed, endangering lawyers and the public. The contractor is held responsible for the negligence, according to Rayer, who urged the Public Accounts Committee to conduct an inquiry. A lawyer, speaking anonymously, was relieved that the collapse happened during off-hours and advised authorities to address the issue promptly. The Penang High Court's Deputy Registrar announced that the restoration-completed heritage building had been vacated due to safety concerns. All court matters were redirected, and legal professionals and the public were warned against entering the premises until further notice. The Bar Committee pledged to stay updated with the authorities.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN: A portion of the ceiling at the recently restored Penang High Court collapsed over the Deepavali weekend, raising safety concerns and prompting calls for an investigation.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu",
        "title": "DMK MP Jagathrakshakan, son Sundeep Anand of TVK move Madras High Court over ₹161.12-crore FEMA case",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/dmk-mp-jagathrakshakan-son-sundeep-anand-of-tvk-move-madras-high",
        "published": "2026-11-10T05:58:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}