President Message August 2013
MESSAGE FROM MBAM PRESIDENT, MR MATTHEW TEE
July 2013 was another productive month in MBAM as an association that support the wellbeing of the construction industry in Malaysia. The following are the key meetings and issues in July 2013:-
Courtesy Visit to See Minister of Works, Malaysia
MBAM’s first meeting with the new Minister of Works, Malaysia,YB Datuk Haji Fadillah Bin Haji Yusof, Minister of Works Malaysia was held on 3rd July 2013. Our delegation consisted of myself, MBAM Immediate Past President, Mr Kwan Foh Kwai, Deputy President, Mr Aziz Tan Sri Bahaman, Honorary Advisor, Dato’ Ng Kee Leen, Secretary-General, Ir. Chuan Yeong Ming and Executive Director, MsLoh Mei Ling.
The Minister was warm and was briefed on MBAM ‘s relevance in the industry. Issues raised were:-
1) Cabinet Paper on Reduction of Duties for Heavy Construction Machineries
2) Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act (CIPAA) and
3) Request for Assistance to Obtain Land and Own MBAM Building
KementerianKewangan Malaysia – Mesyuarat Membincangkan Cadangan Bagi Pembaharuan Akta Setem 1949
The Ministry of Finance Malaysia held a meeting to discuss on the amendment of the existing AktaSetem 1949 on 5th July 2013 at MenaraHasil, Cyberjaya.MBAM was represented by MBAM Honorary Advisor (Tax), Mr Yee Wing Peng, MBAM Treasurer-General, Mr Eric Lai and MBAM Senior Manager, Mr Lenny Lim. Currently all service agreements signed with effect from 1st January 2011 will be imposed stamp duty 0.1% ad valorem on the service contract value. If the service involves multi-tier the said service agreement will be imposed stamp duty at one level only. Service agreements signed at other levels will be imposed a flat RM50.00 stamp duty. MBAM has written to theInland Revenue Board of Malaysia with the hope that the Government will continue with these present arrangements in order to maintain a level of certainty in the policies adopted for doing business in this country.
MBAM Education Fund Scholarship
On Monday, 15th July 2013 MBAM conducted an interview for shortlisted applicants in order to choose the most outstanding and deserving candidates to be awarded with the association’s scholarship. The interviewwas conducted byHonorary Advisor (Education) cum Chairman ofthe MBAM Board of Education Fund, Mr Chua Siow Leng, Associate Professor Puan Nor Ainah Abdullah from UiTM, MBAM Executive Director,Ms Loh Mei Ling and MBAM Technical Director, Ir. Kor Chan Wah. The scholarship programme is administered by the Board of Management (BOM), MBAM Education Fund. BOM was established to administer and/or manage theFund in furtherance of the aims and objectives of the Association to contribute towards the further progress and advancement of the Malaysian construction industry in accordance with MBAM Education Fund Rules.
As part of the social responsibilities, MBAM has contributed to the public by providing scholarship for young undergraduates’ degree students who wish to pursue their study in construction related courses. MBAM has received 38 applications and shortlisted 18 applicants for the interview session. The MBAM Board of Education Fund and MBAM Council have agreed to award 10 scholarships this year and one of this scholarship awards is being sponsored by the Light House Club of Kuala Lumpur. The scholarship award presentation ceremony will be held in conjunction with MBAM Raya Nite on 28th August 2013.
Issues on Foreign Workers Registration and Skilled Manpower Shortages
MBAM has confirmed a meeting with the YBhg Dato’ Alias bin Haji Ahmad, Director-General of Immigration Department for a courtesy visit and a dialogue session on 1st August 2013. MBAM is also pursuing courtesy visit to seeYB Datuk Richard Riot AnakJaem,Minister of Human Resources and YB Datuk Seri Ahmad ZahidHamidi, Minister of Home Affairs. The issues that MBAM will pursue with the immigration department and both ministries include:
1) Delay in Processing of Application for Calling Visa and Renewal of Foreign Worker’s Work Permit
2) Biometric System
3) Foreign Workers Identity Card (I-Card)
4) Immigration Counter Service
5) Cancellation of Work Permit
6) Status of Upgrading of Computer System
7) Delay at Shah Alam Immigration Office
8) Job Clearing System
9) Minimum Retirement Age Act (MRAA) – Appeal for An Industry Exemption and Problems Raised by Fixed Term Contract; and
10) Shortage of Skilled Manpower in the Industry
Invitation for Sponsorship of MBAM Annual Golf Tournament 2013 on 24th August 2013 (Saturday)
The MBAM Golf Tournament 2013 will be held in the morning of 24th August 2013 (Saturday) at the Palm Garden Golf Club (PGGC). MBAM Annual Golf Tournaments have always created excitement, enjoyment and are highly commendable by all participants. This Tournament will enhance and support your company’s public relation promotion and marketing of your products/services/company. Your invited guests from business associates, professional bodies and government agencies will have the opportunities to interact and network in the newest and most exciting premier golf course in Malaysia.
To ensure the success of this Tournament, MBAM’s great efforts need to be supported by your generosity. We would like to invite your esteemed company to take up sponsorship. For enquiries, please contact MBAM Manager, Ms Zharraine Chang at +603-7984 8636 or e-mail mbam02@mbam.org.my .
MBAM Technical Product Briefing 4/2013 and MBAM Fellowship No.4/2013
The MBAM Technical Product Briefing No. 4/2013 and Fellowship No. 4/2013 is fully sponsored by Hume Cemboard Industries Sdn.Bhd. MBAM Technical Product Briefing No. 4/2013is scheduled to be held as follows:-
Date: 16th August 2013 (Friday)
Time: 3.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Venue: Ballroom, 2nd Floor, Aloft Kuala Lumpur No, 5 Jalan Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur Sentral
The product talk is freebut early registration is required to ensure availability of seats as theproduct talk is limited to 150 pax. Registration will be based on first come first serve basis. The Fellowship Gathering will be held in Mai Bar, Rooftop, Aloft Kuala Lumpur from 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.A nominal fee of RM50.00 per participant shall be collected for MBAM fellowship No. 4/2013 which will include free flow of beer and finger food on the house. You and your business associates are cordially invited to the gathering.
Entry will be free for ladies.
The MBAM Fellowship No. 4/2013 is limited to 150 pax. Kindly register with MBAM Secretariat on/before Wednesday, 14th August 2013.
For enquiries, please contact Ms Loges (ext 112) or Mr. Leon Leong (ext 104) at +603-7984 8636 or e-mail to mbam04@mbam.org.my.
MBAM Raya Nite 2013
MBAM Raya Nite 2013 will be held on Wednesday, 28th August 2013 from 6.30 pm to 10.00 pm at the Banquet Hall, Level 1, Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC), No. 10 Jalan 1/70D, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. The gathering aims at providing members/participants the opportunity to make new contacts, exchange information and promote business opportunities and co-operation. The event will bring significant benefits to your esteemed company. You and your colleagues/business associates are cordially invited to join us for the celebration. It is free-of-charge for the first participant from each member company. Any additional participant will be charged a nominal fee of RM100.00 per person that includes buffet dinner. As seats are limited to 200 pax, please register early. Reservation will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Dress code is smart casual.
For enquiries or RSVP, please call MsLogeswary or MsZharraine Chang at +603-7984 8636 or email mbam02@mbam.org.my .
MBAM would like to take this opportunity to wish our Muslim Members and MBAM website visitors “ Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri”.
MATTHEW TEE
President, MBAM