< PreviousVisits & Dialogues VD MBAM Affiliate Dialogue 1/2024 17 JANUARY 2024 The above event was held online via Zoom on 17 January 2024. MBAM President Oliver HC Wee delivered the welcome speech. This dialogue enabled MBAM as an association to hear and understand the issues faced by MBAM Affiliate Members, besides holding a briefing on the CIDB Form of Contract on Building Works as well as on MBAM Mediation Services. MBAM also updated members on the calendar of events for 2024. Through this dialogue, critical issues raised by members can be resolved or escalated to the authorities for further action. Overall, a total of 54 representatives from MBAM Affiliate Members, Council Members, and Secretariat Staff attended, and it provided a good platform for MBAM to engage and brainstorm on current issues. Issues discussed at the MBAM Affiliate Dialogue 1. CIDB Standard Form of Contract for Building Works 2. Update on the mediation service and Act 520 CIDB 3. Tiles hollowness issue percentage update in QLASSIC handbook 4. Client/main contractor vs. CIDB guidelines: which is the priority to follow? 5. Foreign workers (for construction) that arrive at the KLIA without being fetched by agents 6. Rising current material and equipment prices 7. Increasing the government service tax from 6% to 8%, which may be applicable to all logistics services 8. Feedback on the PAM 2006 and PAM 2018 contracts 9. The high number of disputes raised: to identify root causes and prevention 10. The need to employ OSH-C in the company, referring to the latest OSHA 2022, Section 29A(1) requirement 11. Roof tile shortage issue 58 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #130Visits & Dialogues VD Affiliate Representatives Name Ho Chee Leong President Wong Khin Yip Vice President Finance Lim Chun Heng President Patrick Ong Vice President Bill Lee Immediate Past President Audrey Choo Secretariat Yeap Kian Bin Executive Director Kate Wong Manager Ir Lee Kok Chong Vice President Dato’ Andy Tan Boon Hin Honorary Treasurer Datuk Lim Hau Jan President Joe Lam President Ir Lou Chi Nam Immediate Past President Choo Wei Tak Vice President Tok Bung Hong (Bill) Secretary General James Ha Tung Ing President Ting Teck Kai Chairman Lim Le Kern President Brian Gan Secretariat Chong Chee Leong Chairman Elvin Tay President Kong Weng Keong President Luei Chee Fong President Albert Lai Eng Yeow Deputy President Affiliate Member The Chartered Institute of Building Malaysia (CIOB) The Chartered Institute of Building Malaysia (CIOB) Building Materials Distributors Association of Malaysia (BMDAM) Building Materials Distributors Association of Malaysia (BMDAM) Building Materials Distributors Association of Malaysia (BMDAM) Building Materials Distributors Association of Malaysia (BMDAM) National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association of Malaysia (NRMCA) National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association of Malaysia (NRMCA) The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia (TEEAM) The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia (TEEAM) Malacca Builders Association Malaysia Glass Association Sabah Builders Association Sabah Builders Association Persatuan Ampunya Jentera Pembinaan Berat Malaysia (PAJBM) Sarawak Master Builders Federation Sarawak Sibu Division Building & Civil Engineering Contractors Association Safety Glass Processors Association of Malaysia (SGPAM) Safety Glass Processors Association of Malaysia (SGPAM) Perak Contractors Association Persatuan Rakan-Industri Rekabentuk Dalaman Malaysia /Malaysian Interior Industry Partners (MIIP) Johor Master Builders Association (JMBA) Malaysia Mobile Crane Owners Association (MMCOA) Malaysia Mobile Crane Owners Association (MMCOA) Attendee Goh Lian Chin Secretary General Sinn Fu Ming Secretary General Lai Chin Coong Managing Director Chin Yuet Lee Clerical Secretary Haji Zaharani Yusof Omar Secretary General Fong Kok Leong Vice President Terence Teh Treasurer Harrison Yuen Auditor Datuk Ganesh Muraj Vice President Tan Siew Giok Council Member Tan Yee Churd Deputy President Alvin Yeow Past President Lionel Yap Secretary Tai Wee Yeh Manager Tan Boon Lye Director Tee Seng Kong Treasurer Tan Yen Sing Project Manager Alex Liew Deputy Chairman Ong Kian Yew CEO Teoh Pui Mun President Wong Weng Sum Honorary Secretary Oscar Teng Ri Hao Secretary Eric Soong Committee Member Affiliate Malaysia Mobile Crane Owners Association (MMCOA) United Malaysia Contractor Association (UMCA) Persatuan Pemborong-Pemborong dan Pembekal-Pembekal Barang-Barang Bangunan Kedah Persatuan Pemborong-Pemborong dan Pembekal-Pembekal Barang-Barang Bangunan Kedah Persatuan Kontraktor Bumiputera Malaysia (PKBM) Persatuan Industri Fasad Malaysia (PIFM) Persatuan Industri Fasad Malaysia (PIFM) Perak Plumber’s Association Persatuan Kontraktor India Malaysia (PKIM) Selangor and Federal Territory Builders Association Penang Master Builders Penang Master Builders Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA) Segamat Builders Association Segamat Builders Association Selangor and Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Kin Cho Hong Selangor and Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Kin Cho Hong Persatuan Industri Komputer dan Multimedia Malaysia (PIKOM) Persatuan Industri Komputer dan Multimedia Malaysia (PIKOM) Lighthouse Club KL The Malaysian Lift And Escalator Association (MALEA) American Concrete Institute Malaysia Chapter (ACI) American Concrete Institute Malaysia Chapter (ACI) 59 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #130Visits & Dialogues VD MITI Annual Dialogue 2024 29 JANUARY 2024 ideas, constructability in terms of alternative material usage, construction methods, and design, as well as robotics and automation involvement, in order to be more productive and competitive. The government can provide incentives and subsidies to construction companies in order to assist the construction industry in implementing such transformations. MBAM has also asked for a reduction in machinery duties, as most construction machinery in Malaysia is old, with some more than 20 years old. Due to the high construction machinery tax, which sometimes exceeds 20%, industry players do not invest in buying new machinery. In addition, MBAM has also asked for more incentives to promote the widespread adoption of Industrialised Building Systems (IBS) in the construction industry, which relies heavily on providing incentives to various stakeholders. Although manufacturers already benefit from these incentives, it is vital to recognise the pivotal role developers and contractors play in the process. To ensure equity and increase the appeal of incentives, MBAM wishes that the government urgently extend these benefits to contractors and developers. These incentives can manifest as tax exemptions or tax deductions for items that play a significant role in IBS implementation, such as heavy machinery and equipment that are instrumental in facilitating the IBS process. The above event was attended by MBAM Secretary- General Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz and Public Relations Executive Farah Alia at Menara MITI on 29 January 2024. MBAM had earlier made some recommendations. The event was chaired by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry Minister, YB Dato’ Sri Utama Senator Tengku Zafrul Bin Tengku Abdul Aziz. The event served as a pivotal platform for dialogue on critical issues impacting industries in Malaysia, including the construction sector. The substantial presence of MBAM in this dialogue underscored the industry’s significance within the national economic context. MBAM is committed to engaging in constructive discussions with government authorities. The dialogue, guided by the YB Minister, not only facilitated an exchange of insights and perspectives but also emphasised the government’s dedication to collaborating with key stakeholders in shaping policies conducive to the growth and advancement of the construction industry. Previously, MBAM had submitted several issues for the attention of MITI. Among them is the urgent need for the government to assist the construction industry with more subsidies and incentives to aid in digitalisation and to make up for the lack of foreign construction labour. For contractors to adopt modern technology, the government should help the industry invest in technologies and innovative MBAM Secretary General, Datuk Astaman with MITI Minister, YB Dato’ Sri Utama Senator Tengku Zafrul (far left) 60Visits & Dialogues VD Meeting—Discussion on the Impact of Sales Tax on the Logistics Sector 29 JANUARY 2024 MBAM President Oliver HC Wee and General Manager Lenny Lim met with MBAM Honorary Advisor Yee Wing on 29 January 2024 at Menara LGB. The meeting was to find out more about the imposition of sales tax on the logistics sector and its impact on the construction industry. Overall, it was a productive meeting, and Yee will be presenting his findings at the next Council Meeting 2/2024 on 8 March 2024. National Construction Plan 2023— Technical Working Group 5 on Internationalisation Meeting 1/2024 23 JANUARY 2024 MBAM International Affairs Committee Member Tan Kim Yoke attended the National Construction Plan 2023—Technical Working Group 5 (TWG- 5) on Internationalisation, Meeting 1/2024, that was held on 23 January 2024 via online. The meeting was chaired by Masdara Siregar, Deputy Secretary Division (A), Policy and International Division of the Ministry of Works. The meeting presented the updated action plans taken under the Policy Implementation Plan (PPD) of the National Construction Policy (NCP) 2030. For 2024, it was noted that MATRADE and CIDB intend to conduct a follow-up mission to Kalimantan focusing on projects in Nusantara Capital City. The meeting also highlighted that the Ministry of Works is making the necessary arrangements for Malaysia’s participation in Osaka Expo 2025. As part of the policy implementation plan to establish government equity guarantees and other financial assistance mechanisms, as well as facilitate them, the TWG has invited EXIM Bank to present the criteria for the assessment of financing construction projects or services abroad, including the setting of traditional and non-traditional markets. During a courtesy visit on 30 January 2024, MBAM President Oliver HC Wee and General Manager Lenny Lim met with Abdul Rafik Abdul Rajis, the Chief Executive Officer of Construction Labour Exchange Berhad (CLAB), at Plaza Millennium. The primary objective of this meeting was to gain insights into the forthcoming implementation of the Multi-Tier Levy System. This system is poised to bring significant changes to the construction industry, and the MBAM delegation sought to understand its intricacies directly from Abdul Rafik Abdul Rajis. Overall, the meeting facilitated a fruitful exchange of information and perspectives, enhancing collaboration between MBAM and CLAB in the dynamic construction industry. Meeting with the CLAB CEO 30 JANUARY 2024 61knowing the roles and responsibilities of a lifting supervisor, understanding lifting activities and cranes, reading load charts, calculations, and lifting plans. The second day of training and assessment is conducted in the field with practical lifting activities. Trainees apply their technical knowledge to actual lifting actions, where communication with other lifting team members such as slingers, riggers, signalmen and crane operators are carried out effectively and safely. Participants are required to individually develop their own lifting plan and Job Safety Analysis according to different scenarios given as part of the assessment. Professional Development PD The above event was held on 3 November 2023 at the Lecture Theatre, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. MBAM President, Oliver HC Wee, and MBAM General Manager, Lenny Lim, attended the event. The event saw a presentation by three short- listed participating teams about the inter-university students’ challenges, as well as a look back at the previous students’ challenge event. Ts Ho Chee Leong, President of CIOB Malaysia, delivered the welcome address. There was also an address by Vice- Chancellor, INTI International University Professor Dr Joseph Lee Yu Kuang, followed by a championship announcement, a prize, and a certificate presentation. 3 NOVEMBER 2023 CIOBM Students’ Challenge 2023 Final Presentation & Prize Giving Ceremony 71 st Intake and 6 th Intake (Penang) Lifting Supervisor Training The 71 st intake and 6 th Penang intake of the MBAM Lifting Supervisor Training were successfully held recently on 9–10 January 2024. The MBAM Lifting Supervisor Training is jointly organised with MBAM Affiliate Member, the Malaysia Mobile Crane Owner’s Association (1987), with the support of the Department of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), Malaysia. This training has been formulated in view of the increasing construction accidents involving crane lifting activities at construction sites. MBAM has thus undertaken a proactive initiative to assist members and the industry by conducting industry- based training to further enhance the professionalism of construction personnel in carrying out their duties and responsibilities in lifting operations at construction sites. This will ultimately reduce the accident rate in crane lifting activities. The first day of training is classroom training that focuses on technical knowledge for lifting activities, including regulatory legislation, 71 st Intake 9-10/1/24 Sunway Machinery Sdn Bhd, Sunway Enterprise Park (SEP) 6 th Intake (Penang) 9-10/1/24 Greentech Building Industry Training & Academy Centre The results were as follows: 1 st place went to Mind Vision Positive (UM), 2 nd place to XWaste (UM), and 3 rd place to Target 0 Waste (TAR). 62 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #130Professional Development PD 10 JANUARY 2024 Training—High-Pressure Common Rail Injection (HPCRI) System The High-Pressure Common Rail Injection (HPCRI) System is used in diesel engines to deliver fuel to the engine’s combustion chamber with greater precision and control. HPCRI is widely used in diesel vehicles and heavy machinery in construction. In an effort to promote the competency of operators on the HPCRI system, MBAM, in collaboration with UMW Equipment Sdn Bhd, organised a one-day training course on 10 January 2024, at the Training Centre of UMW Power Industrial Services Sdn Bhd in Serendah. MBAM was represented by the Chairman of the Machinery Resources Committee, Ong Ka Thiam. Eighteen participants from the following companies attended the training: Geohan Equipment Sdn Bhd, Megah Sewa Sdn Bhd, Aga Harmoni Venture, Power Ram Sdn Bhd, Tanjung Kristal Holdings Sdn Bhd, Trans Resources Corporation Sdn Bhd, and WCT Machinery Sdn Bhd. This training was designed to equip service personnel with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for effective HPCRI System maintenance and troubleshooting. Participants gained an understanding of the proper repair and maintenance procedures, along with the chance to hone their troubleshooting skills for prompt responses to machine issues. This industry-driven programme is aimed at assisting the construction industry in developing, training, and producing competent Site Safety Supervisors (SSS). This programme is specially tailored to meet the requirements of SSS in the industry in line with the legal provisions under the Factories and Machinery (Building Operations and Works of Engineering Construction) (Safety) Regulations 1986 (BOWEC). Under Regulation 25(1), main contractors shall appoint a competent SSS for safety supervision on construction activities within the job site. The company or employer of the SSS participant who has completed the course is eligible to be granted 20 CIDB CCD points. A total of 23 participants attended the course. On 6 January 2024, Paper 2 (Practical Assessment) was conducted at the actual construction job site at Sunway Flora Resident Site Bukit Jalil. 6 JANUARY 2024 Site Assessment—Site Safety Supervisor Course KL 88 th Intake 63 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #130Crest Builders 40 th Anniversary Dinner 17 NOVEMBER 2023 Community & Social Events CS This event was held at the M Hotel on 17 November 2023. In attendance for MBAM were President, Oliver HC Wee, Deputy President, Kenneth Liew, MBAM Vice-Presidents, Ong Teng Cheng, Dato’ Ubull Din Om, Wong Kwan Song and Eric Yong, Secretary- General, Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, Deputy Secretary-General 1, Tan Zi Ni, Deputy Secretary-General 2, Fong Tet Yoong, Honorary Advisors, Datuk Matthew Tee and John Tong, Council Members, Alec Chong, Ir Au Yong, Dato’ Sri Sukumar Subrayalu, Ivan Chong and Nalla Sundran, Alternate Council Member, Chong Tat Yam and Executive Director, Loh Mei Ling. Over the past 40 years, Crest Builder Holdings Berhad (CBHB) Group has carved a strong foothold in the local construction industry. With in- depth industry experience, the CBHB Group has a proven and established track record in the sector, especially in commercial, residential, and institutional building construction. NRMCA Anniversary Dinner 23 NOVEMBER 2023 The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) Dinner was held at the Tropicana Golf and Country Club on 23 November 2023. The event was attended by MBAM representatives, including the Vice President, Dato’ Ubull Din Om; Deputy Secretary- General 2, Fong Tet Yoong; and General Manager, Lenny Lim. Dato’ Ubull Din Om presented a souvenir of appreciation to Kenny Yeap, the President of NRMCA. NRMCA has held a longstanding membership with MBAM since 2006, highlighting the enduring collaboration between both organisations in furthering the interests of the construction industry. 47 th BMDAM Dinner 9 NOVEMBER 2023 The 47 th Building Material Distributors Association Malaysia (BMDAM) Dinner was held recently at the One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya. MBAM representatives included Deputy President, Kenneth Liew; Vice President, Eric Yong; Vice President, Dato’ Sri Eric Kuan; Secretary-General, Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz; Deputy Secretary-General 2, Fong Tet Yoong; Council Member, Ho Chee Leong; Council Member, Au Yong; Alternate Council Member, Steven Shee; Executive Director, Loh Mei Ling; General Manager, Lenny Lim; and Assistant Manager, Shirley Foo. As with such events, the dinner proved to be an essential platform for members and leaders of the MBAM to interact with their counterparts from BMDAM, who has been an Affiliate Member of MBAM since 2015. Networking is a key aspect of any association event, and it allows the attendees to exchange ideas and information and discuss common challenges and opportunities within the construction industry. 64 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #130Community & Social Events CS Fellowship 5/2023 30 NOVEMBER 2023 The above event was held on 30 November 2023, at The Bund, Petaling Jaya. A total of 260 people attended, with the event being generously sponsored by the Building Materials Distributors Association of Malaysia (BMDAM) as part of its efforts to promote cooperation and camaraderie within the sector. The Chairman of MBAM’s Fellowship Social and Recreation Committee, Alec Chong, commenced the proceedings with a warm and welcoming address, emphasising the significance of such gatherings in fostering lasting connections and mutual support within the construction community. The President of BMDAM, Lim Chun Heng, also delivered a speech, which proved enlightening as it touched on the evolving landscape of the building materials and construction industry, emphasising the pivotal role of collaboration. MBAM extends its heartfelt gratitude to BMDAM for their invaluable support and to all attendees whose presence contributed to making this event an outstanding success. MIID Annual Ball & Awards Night 2023 15 DECEMBER 2023 CICEE SEA Welcome Dinner 28 NOVEMBER 2023 A welcome dinner for the Changsa International Construction Equipment Exhibition Southeast Asia Sub- Exhibition (CICEE SEA) was held on 28 November at Manhattan II, Level 14, Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur. The CICEE is a renowned construction exhibition in Hunan, Changsha, China. Over the years, Changsha has now grown into the largest construction equipment base in China. Changsha enjoys the reputation of being the "City of Construction Machinery in China." The CICEE SEA Sub-exhibition marks the debut of CICEE in Malaysia, signifying an important milestone in the event’s expansion into the Yoong; Council Member Cum Chairman of Machinery Resources Committee, Ong Ka Thiam; Council Member, Alec Chong; Council Member, Ho Chee Leong; Executive Director, Loh Mei Ling; and General Manager, Lenny Lim. Southeast Asian construction and mining machinery market. The Malaysian construction and mining market presents a significant approach to fulfilling CICEE’s objective of facilitating global business connections in Southeast Asia and expanding the international presence of China’s construction and mining machinery products and technology. The dinner was attended by MBAM President, Oliver HC Wee; Deputy President, Kenneth Liew; Vice President, Ong Teng Cheng; Secretary- General, Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz; Honorary Advisor, Datuk Matthew Tee; Deputy Secretary-General 2, Fong Tet The Malaysia Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) held its annual ball and awards night on 15 December 2023 at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. MBAM was graciously invited by MIID President IDr Ooi Boon Seong, and MBAM Alternate Council Member, Dheepan Sukumar, attended the event. Representation from MBAM for such events underscores the growing recognition by the design and build industry for the need to foster closer ties and partnerships across various related fields. 65Community & Social Events CS MIP MyPLACE Award 2023 2 DECEMBER 2023 Organised by the Malaysia Institute of Planners (MIP), the MIP MyPLACE Award 2023 was held on 2 December 2023, at Le Meridian, Petaling Jaya, and was attended by MBAM Deputy Secretary General 2, Fong Tet Yoong. The event serves to recognise outstanding achievements within the planning industry, celebrating exceptional planning projects, individuals, and organisations that have contributed significantly to the development and enhancement of Malaysia’s urban landscape. MIIP Year-End Networking Night 8 DECEMBER 2023 The MIIP Year-End Networking Night, organised by MBAM Affiliate Member, the Malaysian Interior Industry Partners Association (MIIP), was a rousing event that brought together various key luminaries and influential figures from the construction and interior industries. Held on 8 December 2023, at the Avenger Incubator in Shamelin Perkasa, Kuala Lumpur, it epitomised collaboration, innovation, and the spirit of fostering meaningful connections within the sector. In attendance for MBAM were MBAM President, Oliver HC Wee; Deputy President, Kenneth Liew; Vice Presidents, Dato’ Ubull Din Om and Richard Wong; and MBAM General Manager, Lenny Lim. In his officiating speech, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Chief Executive, Dato’ Sr Mohd Zaid Zakaria, encouraged homeowners to educate themselves and familiarise themselves with construction agreements to avoid falling victim to renovation scams. A sample of a construction agreement can be downloaded from the CIDB website, which lists out the responsibilities and contractual obligations of all parties involved in a renovation project. Besides that, he also stressed that homeowners must also be informed of the latest costs of construction materials, labour, and laws and regulations imposed by local councils on renovation works. At the event was also the launch of MIIP’s video entitled ‘Don’t Fall Victim to Online Renovation Contractor Scams’, as a part of its efforts to maintain consumer protection and industry integrity. 66Next >