President Message May 2014
MEETING BETWEEN MBAM & CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORS (MALAYSIA BRANCH)
Meeting between MBAM and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Malaysia Branch) was attended by MBAM Immediate Past President, Mr Kwan Foh Kwai, MBAM Deputy President Mr Aziz Tan Sri Bahaman, MBAM Honorary Advisor (Education), Mr Chua Siow Leng, MBAM Council Member Mr Kenneth Liew, MBAM Contracts and Practices Committee Member, Mr Khoo Cheong, MBAM Executive Director, Ms Loh Mei Ling, MBAM Senior Manager Mr Lenny Lim and I on 2nd April 2014 in MBAM Conference Room. The CIArb was represented by CIArb Malaysia Branch Chairman, Mr David Cheah, its Honorary Treasurer Mr Foo Joon Liang and Committee Member Mr Leon Weng Seng. Issues discussed include cooperation between both organisations to further enhance and promote knowledge on adjudication dispute resolutions courses and the possibilities of CIArb being of service to MBAM.
The maiden meeting between both parties allowed for a meeting of minds and it is hoped that some beneficial joint cooperation will bloom out of the meeting.
CIDB Driving Infrastructure Sustainability in the 11th Malaysian Plan Seminar
Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) held a two days seminar on Driving Infrastructure Sustainability in 11th Malaysian Plan at the Saujana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on 7-8 April 2014. MBAM Deputy President, Mr Aziz Tan Sri Bahaman, MBAM Secretary-General, Ir Chuan Yeong Ming, MBAM Senior Manager, Mr Lenny Lim and MBAM PR Officer, Ms Tessa Hamid attended the above seminar.
The key note topic on Driving Infrastructure Sustainability in National Development was presented by CIDB Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Ir Dr Judin Abdul Karim. The objective of this seminar is due to the ever growing demand of Infrastructure development in this country while it is evolving to be the backbone a country’s economic growth and sustainability, irrespective of the economic status of the country. The World Bank has consistently observed that Infrastructure spending accounts for a significant proportion of national income and consumption in many countries. Empirical evidence indicates that infrastructure spending has a positive and significant effect on long-run economic growth.
Other speakers for the two-days seminar includes:-
- The Challenges of Planning for Infrastructure Development-a CEEQUAL Perspective,
- Professor Roger Venables, CEO of CEEQUAL, UK
- Infrastructure Sustainability Drivers and Trends in Australia & New Zealand and the Role of ISCA, Antony Sprigg, CEO of Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA), Australia
- The Challenges of Planning for Infrastructure Development-a BRE Perspective, Philip Buttery, Director of Building Research Establishment (BRE), UK
PRE-MEETING FOR MEMORANDUM OF COLLABORATION ON INTEGRITY AGAINST CORRUPTION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF MALAYSIA AND MBAM
The above meeting was attended by MBAM Honorary Advisor (Legal), Mr John Tong, MBAM Deputy Secretary-General 2 cum MBAM Contracts and Practices Committee Chairman, Mr Oliver Wee and MBAM Senior Manager, Mr Lenny Lim in Kementerian Kerja Raya on 7 April 2014. The meeting was a follow up to an earlier meeting held on 7 February 2014. YBrs. Mr. Sarani bin Dollah, Deputy Secretary General (Operations) of the Ministry of Public Works chaired the meeting.
Basically the meeting agreed to change item 7.2 of the said draft memorandum so that the industry can support the memorandum as many Associations are unable to agree to item 7.2 where Associations will need to enforce the memorandum on its members and that implementation will definitely incur cost which the Associations do not have funds for this specific purpose. YBrs. Mr. Sarani bin Dollah, Deputy Secretary General (Operations) of the Ministry of Public Works propose that the representatives from Institute Integrity and Ministry of Works, Malaysia relook at the draft so that the comments made by the industry will be incorporated in the next draft.
The meeting agreed to have the committee meet a minimum of twice a year but will meet more times if required. It was proposed that a revision to the terms be send to all the Associations keen to sign the memorandum so that a signing ceremony can be planned in end May 2014.
THE LAUNCH OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY COURT IN SHAH ALAM AND KUALA LUMPUR
MBAM Immediate Past President, Mr Kwan Foh Kwai, MBAM Council Member and Deputy Chairman of Contracts and Practices Committee, Mr Steven Shee, MBAM Council Member Mr Liew Hau Seng and MBAM Senior Manager, Mr Lenny Lim attended the launch of the Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam Construction Courts by the Chief Justice of Malaysia, Tun Arifin Zakaria at the High Court in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur on 14 April 2014. The establishment of the courts has put Malaysia as the second country in the world that had a specialist court for construction. The first is the United Kingdom which has established the Technology and Construction Court (TCC).
The Construction Courts will greatly enhance other aspects of justice in the construction industry. Through adjudication and with the support of the courts in understanding the historical delays and expenses associated with construction cases, the industry can better focus on getting on with their work rather than being involved in unwarranted protracted disputes.
IMPLEMENTATION OF CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PAYMENT AND ADJUDICATION ACT (CIPAA)
MBAM wishes to sincerely thank the Government for the implementation of CIPAA on 15th April 2014 as announced by the Minister of Works Malaysia, YB. Datuk Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof which will definitely offer considerable relief for all the construction players with regards to the key issue of timely payment. With the enactment of CIPAA, Malaysia joins United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore among others as a nation that recognizes the importance of resolving disputes of payments in a fair, just and expeditious manner.
MBAM wishes also to thank the Judiciary and CIDB for the establishment of the Specialised Construction Courts as it will also greatly enhance other aspects of justice in the construction industry. Through adjudication and with the support of the Specialised Construction Courts in understanding the historical delays and expenses associated with construction cases, the industry can better focus on getting on with their work rather than being involved in unwarranted and protracted disputes. The Specialized Construction Courts can be seen as supplementary and complementary instruments to CIPAA. This includes supporting construction arbitrations and other complex construction disputes involving multi-parties such as those involving negligence.
In conclusion, the implementation of CIPAA will definitely bring about positive changes for the construction industry in solving the serious problems associated with delayed payment, non-payment and protracted costly resolution of construction disputes, and MBAM applauds the concerted efforts of all the relevant parties involved in putting these improvements in place.
SIGNING OF MOU ON CONSTRUCTION SAFETY & HEALTH OFFICER (CSHO) PROGRAMME
Signing of MOU on Construction Safety & Health Officer (CSHO) Programme was held on 15th April 2014, at Bilik Balau, CIDB Malaysia, Level 32, Menara Dato’ Onn, PWTC and attended by MBAM Past President and Honorary Advisor Dato’ Ng Kee Leen, Executive Director Ms Loh Mei Ling, Asst. Manager Ms Chai Min Fung , Senior Executive Officer En. Mohd Farhan and I. I represented MBAM to sign the MOU and was witnessed by MBAM Past President and Honorary Advisor Dato’ Ng Kee Leen. CIDB was represented by CIDB Chief Executive, Dato’ Sri Ir Dr Judin Abdul Karim and witnessed by Ir Ahmad Asri Abdul Hamid.
The purposes of the Signing of MOU on Construction Safety & Health Officer (CSHO) are to help the industry in solving the problem shortage of SHO and at the same time to create a career pathway to the existing trained Site Safety Supervisor (SSS) to become competent CSHO.
STUDY VISIT TO KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 2
The MBAM Mechanical & Electrical Committee and Technical Committee organized a study visit on 19th April 2014. Mr. Kenneth Liew, Chairman of Mechanical & Electrical Committee and Mr. Ong Ka Thiam, Chairman of Technical Committee, lead a delegation of 32 members to the On the Job Technical Training cum study visit to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2).
On hand to welcome the delegation were Mr. Teo Siang Yang, Senior General Manager, Technical Support from UEM Builders Berhad. The training aims to create awareness and enhance our members’ knowledge on environmental enhancement, solar orientation, energy efficiency and durability incorporation industrial terminal building system strategies of the design of the airport project. The terminal design will incorporate modern features which include the Pedestrian Skybridge, which is the first in Asia, and third in the world.
End of the visit, Mr. Kenneth Liew together with Mr. Ong Ka Thiam presented a token of souvenir to Mr. Teo Siang Yang in appreciation of the successful study visit and also thanked Mr. Teo for making the necessary arrangement for the visit.
TRAINING ON CPR AND FIRST AIDS IN WORKPLACE
MBAM Safety & Health Committee organized the Training on CPR & First Aids in Workplace on 29th & 30th April 2014 at MBAM Training Centre. A total of 29 participants from Member Companies attended the training. The 2 days training is accredited by the St. John Ambulance Malaysia and the training module is in compliance to the DOSH Guidelines on First Aid in Workplace. The training exposed participants on how to manage common injuries and emergencies encountered at workplace, home and away (e.g. sudden cardiac medical problems, fracture, severe bleeding, heart attack, burns, choking and etc.). First Aid Management of these medical, traumatic and environmental emergencies till the arrival of professional help can make a difference between life and death. MBAM hopes that by organizing the similar training for members can help to enhance the safety and health levels at construction workplaces for the benefit of the industry.
MBAM COFFEE TABLE BOOK LAUNCH AND MBAM 60TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
MBAM Coffee Table Book Launch is just around the corner as it will be held on 15th May 2014 at the Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. In this opportunity, I would also like to take pride in informing you that MBAM will be celebrating its 60th Anniversary Dinner on 31st May 2014 at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa. We look forward to your participation by attending both of the events. Your attendance in both of the events will be much appreciated as it shows your support in the association’s objectives. May we have a wonderful celebration this year and continue to achieve more success as the years goes by.
Wishing you a great and productive month ahead!
Yours faithfully,
Matthew Tee,
President, MBAM