PRESIDENT MESSAGE – MAY 2019
MBAM would like to thank and congratulate the Government for managing to bring down the construction cost of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project by RM21.5 billion to RM44 billion now, down 32.8% from the previous RM66 billion. The continuing of the mega project will definitely benefit our contractors and builders especially on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This helps increase their experience and enhance their capabilities besides generating employment and boosting the overall construction economy and value chain.
MBAM is very appreciative that the Government made the announcement at a critical time for the construction industry when many contractors are pushing for projects as we begin the second quarter of 2019. The announcement is definitely an added confidence booster for the construction industry especially when we take into account the announcement on 31 March 2019 that a total of 121 infrastructure projects nationwide at over RM13.9 billion will go on following cost renegotiations by the Government.
MBAM is very happy as the Government has listened to our feedback to activate the construction projects and also to increase local contractors’ participation in projects in the country. Based on news report, in the ECRL, local contractor’s involvement is increased now to 40% from 30%. This will help reduce contractors’ pain and further elevate their gain for 2019. However, we hope that the Government will ensure to give full complete packages instead of ‘sub-labour works only’ when distributing the project to local contractors under the ECRL.
MBAM is confident that by continuing to work closely with the Government, together we can further develop the Malaysian building and construction industry despite its challenging environment.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the key highlights for the month of April:-
BRIEFING BY DOSH ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (OSH) ACT 1994
Early of last month on 2nd April 2019, Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (DOSH) came to MBAM Training Centre to brief on the proposed amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act 1994.
The Occupational Safety and Health in Construction Industry (Management) 2017 (OSHCIM) developed by DOSH was based on the principle of prevention through design where safety element will be taken into consideration in stages of construction projects which involved the client, designer and contractor on the management of safety, health and welfare when carrying out construction projects of a structure.
DOSH is committed in adopting OSHCIM and the proposed amendment for OSHA to replace the BOWEC Regulations under the Factories Machinery Act (FMA) will be tabled in the Parliament for approval in May 2019. The OSHCIM Guideline will be made mandatory and the client/project owners, designers and contractors will be playing equal roles and responsibilities in managing any OSH risks in a construction project.
Therefore, DOSH Director-General, Tuan Ir Hj Omar Bin Mat Piah briefed MBAM and Persatuan Kontraktor Bumiputera Malaysia (PKBM) members on the proposed amendment. I was very glad that the briefing attracted 101 participants. Chairman of Safety and Health Committee, Michael Yap with his committee members, Datuk Kow Choong Ming, Chong Tat Yam and Nalla Sundran; MBAM Council Members and Members were also present. Represented PKBM were Datuk Haji Azman Yusoff, Dato’ Ir Jamaludin Non, Ir Zainizam Mat Zain and Sr Asmuni Sajat.
During the Briefing Session
Chairman of OSHCIM Advisory Committee, Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Ir Jamilus Bin Hussein gave an introductory speech on OSHCIM and followed by sharing from Tuan Ir Hj Omar and Ir Dr Mohd Fairuz Ab Rahman from DOSH Malaysia on OSHCIM implementation.
OSHCIM Committee Members, Ir M. Ramuseren and Maj (R) Ir Haji Kamarulzaman Bin Hj Musa also attended the briefing session alongside other DOSH officers.
Group photo, from left: Ir Dr Mohd Fairuz, Tan Sri Jamilus, me, Ir Hj Omar and Michael Yap
MBAM-CLAB ROADSHOW ON HIRING OF FOREIGN WORKERS PROGRAMME FOR G1-G3 CONTRACTORS IN PERAK AND MALACCA
Another highlight was the MBAM-CLAB Roadshow on Hiring of Foreign Workers Programme for G1-G3 Contractors organised by MBAM Human Resource Committee together with Central Labour Exchange Centre Berhad (CLAB) in Perak and Malacca on 6 and 11 April respectively. Both briefing sessions were given by the Chief Executive Officer of CLAB, Encik Abdul Rafik Bin Abdul Rajis.
A total of 88 participants attended the talk in Perak. MBAM Vice President, Dennis Tan delivered the welcome remarks. Also attended the talk were Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Pembina Malaysia’s President, Leong Kien Keong; Perak Kin Cho Hong’s President, Lee Yee Kuan; Perak Contractors Association’s Acting President, Chong Chee Leong; Perak Plumber’s Association’s Deputy President, Leong Chee Wah; and Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Pembina Malaysia’s Secretary-General, Sinn Fuh Ming.
Group Photo at the roadshow in Perak
Whereas, the talk in Malacca attracted a total of 83 participants. MBAM Vice President, Dennis Tan delivered the welcome remarks. Also attended the talk were MBAM HR Committee Deputy Chairman, Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz and Malacca Building Contractors’ Association’s President, Victor Tan See Sen.
Group Photo at the roadshow in Malacca
CLAB is working with MBAM to conduct a nationwide roadshow in order to build awareness of the programme among MBAM members so that they can take this opportunity to easily get workers for their projects. Both of the talk was divided into two sessions: the first session was a briefing by CLAB on the objectives for this programme, employer eligibility and the procedures for hiring foreign workers by G1 to G3 contractors. In the second session, a Q&A session was held.
MBAM ANNUAL SAFETY & HEALTH CONFERENCE 2019
MBAM Annual Safety and Health Conference 2019 was successfully organised for the 18th year on 23 and 24 April at Sime Darby Convention Centre. The Opening Ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Human Resources, YB Dato’ Mahfuz Bin Omar. This year’s Conference with the theme “Safety Challenges in the New Era” attracted 371 participants. 10 papers were presented throughout the 2-day Conference.
MBAM Safety and Health Committee Chairman, Michael Yap delivering the opening remarks
During the Opening Ceremony, I had the opportunity to welcome and express my gratitude towards YB Dato’ Mahfuz for being present to officiate the Conference
I was delighted that YB Dato’ Mahfuz in his speech congratulated MBAM for being visionary in choosing the theme and successfully organising the Conference this year.
Dato’ Mahfuz hitting the gong as a symbolic of officiating the MBAM Annual Safety and Health Conference 2019
The ceremony also took the opportunity to launch the inaugural MBAM Lifting Supervisor Training programme with a launching video. The training is jointly organised by MBAM with its Affiliate Member, Malaysia Mobile Crane Owner’s Association (1987) with the support from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia. MBAM is constantly striving to provide better service to its members from the many trainings conducted. MBAM has also obtained feedback from industry practitioners and have enhanced its Lifting Supervisor Training based on DOSH awarded modules. The training was formulated to further enhance the professionalism of the construction personnel in carrying out their duties and responsibilities in any lifting operation at construction sites.
Group photo with the participants who successfully completed the 1st Intake training programme on 26 and 27 March
During the Opening Ceremony, YB Dato’ Mahfuz also presented the MBAM Safety and Health Award 2019. The award was officially launched in 2011 and is jointly organised by MBAM and the Lighthouse Club Kuala Lumpur. Winners are selected through a stringent screening process by a panel of construction industry players from both the public and private sector.
Safety and Health Award for Site Personnel was presented to those who have shown high commitment to the implementation of Safety and Health at construction sites. Due to the high level of competency of the participants, the panel has decided to award the top three participants with the special mention prizes. The recipients were:
- Pembinaan Mitrajaya Sdn Bhd – See Wee Wah, Project Director
- Jurutama Sdn Bhd – Mohd Qazar bin Yusop, Project Engineer
- Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd – Cho Chun Fai, Project Manager
Group photo with recipients of MBAM Safety & Health Award for Site Personnel – Special Mention Prizes
Another prestige award was also presented by YB Dato’ Mahfuz which was the MBAM Golden Helmet Award 2019. The Golden Helmet recipient this year was responsible towards the overall planning and the implementation of core business of DOSH namely enforcement, standard setting and promotional activities. Throughout his tenure with DOSH, he had personally pushed forward the agenda to drive the safety for the construction industry towards excellence.
Through his active involvement, various strategies have been initiated and implemented including delivering various seminar papers and publications throughout his career. He has set much of the groundworks for increasing the awareness on the importance of good occupational safety and health practices at work sites that enable the industry to maintain its growth while keeping number of accidents in check.
Hugely impressive was the seamless co-operation and collaboration with industry players such as MBAM and the selection panel noted a laudable passion by the award winner to leave behind an impressive safety legacy.
MBAM is proud to confer the MBAM Golden Helmet Award 2019 to YBhg Dato’ Ir Mohtar Bin Musri for his meritorious and untiring contributions to the construction industry.
Group photo with recipient of MBAM Golden Helmet Award 2019, YBhg Dato’ Ir Mohtar Bin Musri
I presented a memento to YB Dato’ Mahfuz.
Also in photo, most left – Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate) of SOCSO Malaysia, Datin Azlaily Binti Abd Rahman; second from right – Deputy Director-General (Occupational Safety) of DOSH Malaysia, Ir Zailee Bin Dollah; and Chairman Michael Yap together with MBAM Safety Mascot, Selamat.
The MBAM Annual Safety and Health Conference 2019 was supported by Social Security Organisation Malaysia (SOCSO) and Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB); and endorsed by National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) and Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (DOSH).
At the end of last month, I also had the opportunity to spend some time with MBAM Secretariat staff during their trip to Danang, Vietnam. I hope that they have recharged and will continue to work hard for the growth of the Association and be able to serve MBAM Members better.
Group Photo of MBAM Danang Trip 2019
Lastly, come join us at the 65th MBAM Anniversary Dinner on 16th August 2019 at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa. On behalf of MBAM, I would like to take this opportunity to invite MBAM Members to support the fund raising for MBAM Building Fund by taking up one of the sponsorships at the Anniversary Dinner in the category of Platinum (RM30,000.00), Gold (RM20,000.00) or Emerald (RM10,000.00). Besides that, you can also make donation by taking up a table at the price of RM5,000.00 (Special Dinner Table) or RM4,000.00 (Ordinary Dinner Table). For enquiries, please contact MBAM Assistant General Manager, Ms Lee Siew Mei at 03-7984 8636 or email mbam05@mbam.org.my.
FOO CHEK LEE JMW
MBAM President