PRESIDENT MESSAGE – JULY 2013

MESSAGE FROM MBAM PRESIDENT, MR MATTHEW TEE

June 2013 was a most busy month for MBAM in that we held five major events in one month! Our Seminar on Occupational Safety and Health in Kuching, Annual Dinner and Safety Conference, together with our AGM and Council Brainstorming session were all successfully completed during a most hectic but productive month for our Association.

MBAM SEMINAR ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH AT KUCHING

The Safety and Health Committee of MBAM together with the Sarawak Building & Civil Engineering Contractors Association (SBCECA) has jointly organised the Seminar on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) on 7th June 2013 at Grand Continental Hotel, Kuching. This Seminar was aimed to enhance the standard of safety and health at construction work sites by creating awareness among the employers and construction personnel on the importance of practicing high standard of occupational safety management and also by sharing of best practices with industry practitioners. The Seminar, which is supported by the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), National Council for Occupation Safety & Health (NCOSH) and the Department of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), was officiated by Ir. Mohd Hatta Bin Zakaria, Director of DOSH Sarawak. A total of 82 participants and guests attended the Seminar.

CONSTRUCTION OCCUPATIONAL COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT (COCD) FOR CONSTRUCTION (TRADE) FOREMEN TRAINING

In line with the recent amendment made to CIDB Act 2011, CIDB Malaysia is committed to enhance the image and professionalism of the construction industry and continuous improvement of competency opportunity for construction personnel by certification and registration of construction personnel. Therefore, CIDB Malaysia is currently intensifying their effort in creating more formalised construction competency training and development for better career development and advancement opportunity for the construction practitioners. In addition, CIDB Malaysia is collaborating with MBAM to conduct the Construction Occupational Competency Development (COCD) Programme for Construction Foremen with the aim to certify and register all construction personnel in compliance with the revised CIDB Act 520 under Section 33(1).

MBAM organised a training in MBAM Training Centre on 13th June 2013 which attracted 16 participants. Upon completion of the said course, trainee will receive a “Certificate of Competency (Competent Trade Foreman)” by CIDB Malaysia.

MBAM AFFILIATES DIALOGUE

MBAM Affiliates Dialogue 2013 was held on Friday, 14th June 2013 at Sunway Hotel Resort and Spa.

The MBAM Affiliates Dialogue was attended by representatives from:

1. Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Malaysia
2. Construction Labour Exchange Centre Berhad (CLAB)

III. Malaysia Mobile Crane Owners Association (1987)

1. National Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Malaysia
2. Penang Master Builders & Building Materials Dealers Association
3. Perak Contractors Association

VII. Persatuan Kontraktor India Malaysia

VIII. Port Dickson Builders Association

1. Sabah Builders Association
2. Selangor and Federal Territory Builders Association and
3. The Johor Master Builders Association.

The following issues were discussed:-

1. Human Resources Issues Affecting the Construction Industry and Training for Foreign Workers
2. Emphasis on Safety & Health Matters
3. GREENCARD/ Update on Green Card Training
4. CIDB-MBAM Trade Foreman Collaboration
5. Construction Industry Payment And Adjudication Act (CIPAA)
6. CIDB Amendment Act 520
7. Construction Court
8. Appeal on Issues Affecting Construction Activities in Kuala Lumpur and
9. Reduction of Import Duties and Sales Tax for Heavy Construction Machineries.

MBAM will follow up with the relevant agencies and ministries and will update members on the progress on issues raised during MBAM Affiliates Dialogue meeting.

59TH MBAM ANNIVERSARY DINNER CELEBRATION

59th MBAM Anniversary Dinner Celebration was successfully held on 14th June 2013 at the Pyramid Ballroom, Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, Petaling Jaya. YBhg. Tan Sri Dr Ali bin Hamsa, Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia, graced the occasion as the Guest-of-Honour (GOH), being the first Chief Secretary to the Government to be invited as the GOH for MBAM Anniversary Dinner. There were a total of 236 tables sold with approximately 2,350 people attended. The Dinner provided opportunities for our distinguished guests, members, associates, well-wishers and leaders in the Government and construction related industries to gather to strengthen rapport and exchange views as well as to share the joy in celebrating this auspicious occasion.

The theme for this year’s celebration, United For Growth, reflects our commitment to inculcating greater awareness amongst our members on the need to be united to ensure sustainable growth. Our efforts towards united for growth would involve policy makers, Government related agencies, construction industry players and society at large in the quest to transform the nation. In this regard, MBAM will continue to cement closer ties with the allied professional institutions and trade associations including smart partnering with the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) and Building Industry Presidents’ Council (BIPC) to synergize and act on common interests and concerns.

Highlights of the celebration included the presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to Sponsors by the Guest-of-Honour as well as presentation of Long Service Awards to the Council Members, Honorary Member and MBAM Secretariat staff in recognition of their outstanding contribution and services to the development of the Association and the construction industry.

The recipients for the Long Service Awards were as follows:

25 Years Long Service

• IJM Corporation Sdn Bhd
• Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd
• Ms Zharraine Chang, MBAM Manager

Gold (15 Years)

• Norwest Holdings Sdn Bhd
• Pembinaan Mitrajaya Sdn Bhd
• Mr Andrew Ong, MBAM Education Committee Member

Silver Award (10 Years)

• Mr Lee Chee Yian, MBAM Education Committee Member
• Ms Chan Li Hwa, MBAM Tea Lady

Bronze Award (5 Years)

• Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd
• Paramount Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd
• Ir. Lau Mun Cheong, MBAM Honorary Advisor
• Ms Chan Yuen Kuan, MBAM Senior Admin & Accounts Executive

MBAM records its appreciation and thanks to YBhg. Tan Sri Ali bin Hamsa, the distinguished guests, members, donors, and leaders in the Government, construction and related industries, and members of the mass media for their gracious presence and kind support.

Also our sincere thanks and appreciation to the following generous sponsors:-

Platinum

• Bina Puri Holdings Berhad
• Gamuda Berhad

Gold

• Crest Builder Sdn Bhd
• Hume Cemboard Industries Sdn Bhd
• IJM Corporation Berhad
• Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd
• UEM Builders Berhad
• United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Berhad

Emerald

• Bauer Equipment (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Others
• Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad (Carlsberg Malaysia)
• The various advertisers for the souvenir programme.

MBAM also records its heartfelt appreciation to members of the Organizing Committee, MBAM Council, staff of MBAM Secretariat and the helpers/ushers for working together to ensure a great gathering.

MBAM BRAIN STORMING SESSION 2012-2014

MBAM Brain Storming Session 2012-2014 was held on 22nd June 2013 in Avillion Port Dickson where 22 MBAM Honorary Council Members and MBAM Council Members and also 7 MBAM Secretariat Staff brainstormed ways to move the Association forward. The last brainstorming held before this was back in 2009. MBAM Honorary Council Members, Council Members and MBAM Secretariat staff were segregated into four groups to deliberate in topics covering such as:

1. Future Prospects for Contractors
2. Membership Services
3. Technical, R & D and Construction Data and
4. Education, Training and HR Development.

I would like to thank MBAM Honorary Advisor, Dato’ Ir. Tan Kia Loke for helping to moderate the event. My appreciation and thanks also goes to all the MBAM Council Members, MBAM Honorary Advisors and Secretariat Staff who came to support the event and provide invaluable input. There were a lot of new ideas and new strategies being formulated for a 3 years overlapping plan to ensure continuity of ideas and implementation.

We still look forward to MBAM Members’ to provide some suggestions/constructive comments on how to improve the services of the Association and the Secretariat for the betterment of the construction industry. MBAM is still looking out for ideas from MBAM Members on how to increase the membership of the Associations so that we can always have a better voice and presence in the construction industry. However, any other ideas to improve the visibility and services of MBAM Secretariat will also be considered. Those who wish to provide the suggestions/comments may do so by e-mailing: ed@mbam.org.my .

MBAM ANNUAL SAFETY CONFERENCE 2013 AND MBAM SAFETY AWARDS PRESENTATION

MBAM launched MBAM Annual Safety Conference 2013 on Thursday, 27th June 2013 at Sime Darby Convention Centre. The event was officiated by Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Ir. Dr. Johari Basri, Director-General, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Malaysia (DOSH). This conference was envisioned to contribute towards enhancing safety management and occupational safety and health practices in the Malaysian construction industry with special focus on public safety. MBAM has chosen the theme of “Prioritizing Public Safety in Occupation Safety and Health (OSH)” to lead MBAM members and Malaysian builders to contribute further towards the task of nation-building in a safe and healthy working environment. The event attracted a record 286 participants.

MBAM Safety & Health Awards are jointly organized by MBAM and the Lighthouse Club, Kuala Lumpur and sponsored by WAK Consultants Sdn. Bhd. through the sponsorship of cash prize RM5000.00 for the MBAM Health and Safety Awards, Site Personnel category. This event is endorsed by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).

The Golden Helmet Award was awarded to Mr Kwan Foh Kwai, Managing Director of Sunway Construction Division, Sunway Berhad and Immediate Past President of MBAM for his contribution towards the promotion of safety and health in the construction industry. Mr Kwan Foh Kwai was awarded with a Golden Helmet replica and a certificate during the ceremony. The winner of MBAM Safety & Health Awards for Site Personnel was Mr Rathakrishnan s/o Perumal from Shin Eversendai Engineering (M) Sdn. Bhd. who received RM5,000.00 cash and a certificate. Mr Rathakrishnan continues to contribute to the growth of the HSE personnel in the company by mentoring those under his charge.

Through the awards, MBAM hopes that those who have contributed to the development and promotional activities of safety and health and the often unsung heroes of the construction industry, will be given proper recognition. Furthermore, we also believe with the awards, the construction industry will be more aware of the importance of safety implementation and procedures in the construction workplace to minimize accidents and promote a safe and healthy working environment.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) TALK ON “CONSTRUCTION COURT AND FORUM ON MINIMUM WAGES FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS”

The above talk and forum was jointly organised by MBAM Contracts and Practices Committee and MBAM Human Resources Committee as part of MBAM’s continuing education programme. Mr Lim Chong Fong, MBAM Honorary Advisor gave the talk on Construction Court. The creation of the specialist construction court is in consonance with the objective of the Construction Industry Master Plan to enhance the level of professionalism and image of the construction industry. The construction court has been operational in both the Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam High Courts as from 1st April 2013. At the end of April 2013, there are several cases already filed in the KL Construction Court. The jurisdiction of the Construction Court is found in the Chief Registrar’s circular 2-2013. The talk managed to enlighten members on objectives and operational of Construction Court in Malaysia.

After the talk, Mr K. Kesavan, Principle Assistant Director, Department of Labour, Ministry of Human Resource, Malaysia gave a short briefing on the Implementation of Minimum Wages. After that MBAM Secretary General, Ir. Chuan Yeong Ming moderated a forum with both Mr Kesavan and another panelist Sr Azizah Yusoff, Senior Manager, Training & Skill Accreditation Division, Construction Industry Development Board, Malaysia (CIDB), and Sr Lim Chong Fong. The said forum attracted a good exchange of questions and answers between the panelist and the participants on the implementation of construction court and minimum wages policy. Both the talk and forum managed to attract 43 participants.

MBAM 59TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

MBAM 59th AGM was held on 29th June 2013 in Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. The event was attended by 65 members.

In the AGM, one resolution was passed namely that the Association shall be known as Master Builders Association Malaysia (Persatuan Kontraktor Binaan Malaysia) hereinafter referred to as “the Association”. The approved abbreviation for the name of the Association shall be MBAM and that both “Master Builders Association Malaysia” (“the English Name”) and “Persatuan Kontraktor Binaan Malaysia” (“the BM Name”) shall be printed and/or otherwise reflected together in the letterhead, stationery and/or other communication materials of the Association; whereby the BM Name shall be contained in brackets and preceded by the English Name, as depicted in the following manner:-

Master Builders Association Malaysia (Persatuan Kontraktor Binaan Malaysia).

The Council will now apply for and seek the approval of the relevant authorities in respect of the said BM Name.

REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK

I am sure there will be issues and challenges which may require MBAM to follow up with the relevant Government ministries or agencies. Should you have such concern please feel free to contact MBAM Secretariat for assistance.

Yours faithfully,

Matthew Tee,

President, MBAM