PRESIDENT MESSAGE-MAY

We have successfully completed our first quarter of 2018 with a number of successful events and we look forward to more illustrious events in the upcoming month. The month of May will bring you to the MBAM Affiliate Dialogue followed by our 64^th MBAM Anniversary Dinner on 11^th May 2018. These are two of our main events every year. I hope that all members will be able to show their support and commitment by being present at these events.

The following are the main events for April 2018:-

MBAM – CIDB JOINT COLLABORATION ON QLASSIC AWARENESS & ASSESSOR TRAINING

Dato’ Ir. Laxana Naidu leading the training session

Among the participants attended the training

MBAM Technical Committee together with the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) have jointly organised the QLASSIC Awareness & Assessor Training on 2^nd – 4^th April 2018 at MBAM training centre. A total of 32 participants attended the training which were subsidised by CIDB. The three days training was led by YBhg. Dato’ Ir. Laxana Naidu.

The course was held with the aim to provide a practical understanding and application QLASSIC CIS 7:2014 assessments for building projects as well as developing competent and qualified assessor through in depth understanding and application of QLASSIC CIS 7:2014 standard. QLASSIC (Quality Assessment System in Construction) is developed by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Malaysia in conjunction with major construction industry stakeholders.

THE PROPOSAL ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL WORKING GROUP (WG) – NATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCES CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL (NHRCC)

Group photo with the working group

I attended the above meeting held on 6^th April 2018 at Ministry of Human Resource (MOHR), Putrajaya.  The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposal on the establishment of Special Working Group – National Human Resources Consultative Council (NHRCC). The meeting was chaired by the Secretary General of MOHR, YBhg. Dato’ Dr Mohd Gazali bin Abas and attended by 21 industry associations and chambers.

The meeting has come out with the four main Working Group (WG) and MBAM has proposed for the following representatives to represent MBAM in the following groups: 

NHRCC: To be represented by MBAM President, Mr Foo Chek Lee

WG1: Human Resource Development to be represented by MBAM Vice President, YBhg. Tan Sri Sufri Bin Haji Mohd Zin

WG2: Labour Management to be represented by MBAM Council Member, YBhg. Datuk Astaman Bin Abdul Aziz

WG3: Safety & Industrial Protection to be represented by MBAM Council Member, Mr Michael Yap

WG4: Management of Foreign Workers to be represented by MBAM Vice President, Ir. Chuan Yeong Ming & MBAM President, Mr Foo Chek Lee

The WGs will focus on;

1. Issues related to labour policies and human resource;
2. Proposed improvements in the administration of existing labour laws in line with the changes in the national labour landscape, compliance with the international standard;
3. Enhancing safety and social protection network;
4. Plan, coordinate and monitor the implementation of non-citizen employee management policies.

MEETING WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE OF WORLD BANK AND BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA (BNM)

The representatives of the World Bank

The meeting in progress

Meeting with the representative of World Bank and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) was held on 9^th April 2018 at Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng Conference Room. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss on the data and matters arise in regards to the Foreign Worker in Malaysia.

The meeting was attended by the Senior Economist of The World Bank, Ms Soonhwa Yi and Mr Kenneth Simler, Dr, Achim Schmillen and Economist Department of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Mr Ang Jian Wei.

MBAM AWARENESS SEMINAR ON EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITY UNDER THE INCOME TAX ACT 1957 FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The attendees of the seminar

The presentation of certificate of appreciation to Mr Felix Christopher Francies

MBAM Awareness Seminar on Employer’s Responsibility under the Income Tax Act 1957 For Construction Industry was held on 9^th April 2018 at MBAM Training Centre.  The training was officiated by the Chairman of HR Committee, Ir. Chuan Yeong Ming and was attended by more than 60 participants. This seminar was organized by MBAM Human Resources Committee to highlight the necessary actions required by the employers on matters related to income tax. 

The topics that Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) covered during the seminar;

• Employer’s Responsibility by Puan Nor Asmah Yop
• Taxation on Foreign Workers Income by Puan Juliana Ooi Abdullah
• Form E Submission by Mr Norrizal Dardiri
• Recognition of Income and Costs for Contractors for Employers by Mr Felix Christopher Francies

Overall, the seminar was very informational and had helped the participants to comply to the tax act accordingly.

FUJIAN CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION VISIT TO MBAM

Group photo with the members of Fujian Construction Industry Association

On 16^th April 2018, 16 members of Fujian Construction Industry Association paid a courtesy visit to MBAM.  Among the key delegates are the President, Fujian Construction Industry Association, Mr Hou Weisheng, President, President, Export-Oriented Enterprises Branch, Mr You Zugang, Chairman, Fujian Jiuding Construction Engineering Co. Ltd, Mr Ye Guosong, Chairman, Fujian Jinding Construction Development Co., Ltd, Mr Liao Shijiang and Chairman, Fujian HuaJian Construction Engineering Co. Ltd, Mr Zhuo Longhao.

The main purposes of the courtesy visit were to discuss the current construction climate in Malaysia as well as on CIDB requirements for foreign contractors. Clarifications were also sought on the requisite of incorporation of a foreign company, the shareholdings requirements for foreign companies and the mechanism of tendering of project in Malaysia.

The meeting ended with an exchange of token of appreciation between the President of Fujian Construction Industry Association, Mr Hou Weisheng and I.

MBAM MACHINERY COMMITTEE TALK ON SAFE SLINGING AWARENESS

The attendees of the Talk on Safe Slinging Awareness

Presentation of certificate of appreciation to Tuan Haji Abdul Razak bin Husin

The MBAM Machinery Resources Committee organised the Talk on Safe Slinging Awareness on 18^th April 2018 at MBAM Training Centre. MBAM Deputy Secretary-General 1 and Chairman of MBAM Machinery Resources Committee, Mr Ong Ka Thiam delivered the welcome speech. A total of 34 participants attended the training.

The objective of this talk were to understand the terminology on sling, methods used for tie load including load and angle factor, enhance knowledge on lifting tools and inspection technics, to understand the sling chart, create awareness on safety factor on sling and also to learn the rules of thumb techniques.

The first speaker was the General Manager, Legal Advisor Office, Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), Tuan Haji Abdul Razak bin Husin on Machinery Accident at the Construction Site and Contractor’s Duty under CIDB Act 1994. He talked about the recent position, law provision, regulations and penalties under the CIDB Act that need to be obliged by contractors when they carry out or complete any construction work.

Next topic on Safe Slinging Awareness was by Trainer/Instructor at Gamuda Plant Operator School (GPOS), Mr Noor Azam bin Mohd Ariffin and Mr Mad Padir bin Abdul Rahman. The topic covered on identifying sling strength, tie load using sling techniques, identifying lifting tools and inspection techniques, sling chart and rules of thumb.

9 SESSIONS OF PRACTICAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT – SESSION 1

Mr HT Ong conducting his first session

The participants that attended the seminar

The MBAM Contracts and Practices Committee held the first out of the nine sessions on practical construction contract on 19^th April 2018 at MBAM Training Centre. On 10^th October 2017, MBAM and The Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to identify ways that MBAM and ICES may co-operate on matters in common relating to building and civil engineering surveying.

The programme attracted 15 participants. Participants who attend at least six of the nine sessions will be eligible for advice from BK SURCO as to their potential for ICES membership and guidance with their applications for membership, subject to meeting the requirements for particular membership grades.

The focus of the programme was sub-contracting and the reasons for sub-contracting. The speaker also touched on Pertinent Subcontract Provisions under Various Main Contracts and Subcontracts. We will also have session on basic Health and Safety Requirements, Statutory and Contractual Provisions later. The Senior Manager (Quality, Environmental, Safety and Health) of Pembinaan Mitrajaya Sdn Bhd, Ms Candy Lai was also present to share her insights on safety from a practitioner’s perspective during the second part of the programme.

MBAM BADMINTON AND TABLE TENNIS 2018 TOURNAMENT

The winners of the Table Tennis 2018 Tournament

The winners of the MBAM Badminton Tournament

The MBAM Publications & Outreach Committee successfully organised the MBAM Badminton & Table Tennis Tournaments 2018 on 21^st April 2018 at Forum 19, Petaling Jaya. The tournaments were sponsored by Aneka Jaringan Sdn Bhd and Lasak Prima Sdn Bhd. This year Badminton Tournament saw the participation of 90 pairs with 22 pairs for Open Mixed Doubles, 57 pairs Men Doubles Combined Age 90 Years and below and 11 pairs for Men Doubles Combined Age 91 years and above. The final result are as follows:

On the other hand, the Table Tennis Tournament saw the participants of 19 pairs for open category and the final result are as follows:

MBAM wishes to congratulate all winners of the tournaments and to thank those who actively participated in the spirit of sportsmanship!

MBAM SAFETY & HEALTH CONFERENCE 2018

The launching of the MEWP Guidelines

Group photo with the winners of the MBAM Safety & Health Awards

MBAM Safety & Health Committee has successfully organized the MBAM Annual Safety & Health Conference 2018 with the theme “Driving Safety Culture in Today’s Construction Industry” on 24^th & 25^th April 2018 at the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa. The event was officiated by the Director-General, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Malaysia (DOSH), Ir. Haji Omar Bin Mat Piah. A total of 438 participants attended the annual conference.

The objectives of the Conference were to promote the importance of having good practices in Safety & Health by inculcating best practices of OSH Management System and policies to protect workers from occupational hazards and risks; to reduce both incidents and accidents at work place and to further enhance productivity and efficiency at workplace as well as to enhance company’s reputation.

This year MBAM Safety & Health Awards receivers are as follow: 

7^th MBAM Golden Helmet Award for Leadership in Safety & Health;

YBhg. Dato’ Ir. Dato’ Ir. Paul Ha Tiing Tai

MBAM Safety & Health Award for Site Personnel;

Mohd Hafizi Rusydin Bin Mohd Rahim

This year’s Safety Conference had industry players, government agencies representatives and consultant as our speakers where they shared their valuable Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) best practices and latest development regarding safety in Malaysian construction industry.

The highlight of the Conference was the Launching of MEWP Guidelines and Safety & Health Awards Presentation Ceremony. The 7^th MBAM Safety & Health Awards 2018, which was a joint initiative between MBAM and the Lighthouse Club Kuala Lumpur, was held with the aim of recognising industry player’s achievements in safety at our construction project site.

Foo Chek Lee

President