SIBU, Feb. 24 -- A controlled retrieval operation was carried out at 6.30am on Wednesday to allow two shop operators from the ground-floor premises adjacent to the collapsed shophouse at Jalan Pahlawan here to retrieve essential valuables, following appeals made to the authorities.

Deputy Minister of Housing, Public Health and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said the decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), the police, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), geotechnical experts and consultants.

"The operation was carried out under strict supervision and safety protocols, and involved only two ground-floor premises which were assessed to be in...