MAY 2021 PRESIDENT WEBSITE MESSAGE
As we step into the month of May, MBAM is still working closely with the Government and relevant parties to ensure the construction industry will be able to resolve some of the issues faced and revive its economy. Members are advised to continue adhering to all the SOPs as we are still fighting against COVID-19.
Last month, MBAM was invited to the YAB Prime Minister’s Meeting with Industry organised by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) on 15 April 2021. During the meeting, I raised the matter on MBAM’s objection to the expansion of Human Resources Development Fund (PSMB) Act 2001 that covers the construction industry and the need to introduce Variation of Price (VOP) Clause in controlling the prices of building materials. Following the session, MBAM has sent in a memorandum dated 22 April 2021 on the two issues to the Prime Minister. In the same memorandum, MBAM also expressed the need for amendments to improve the Temporary Measures for Reducing the Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Act 2020. Overall, it was a meeting that enabled industry players to engage with the Government in the hope that issues raised can be quickly resolved for the sustained growth of the nation.
Also in the last month, MBAM hosted an Affiliate Dialogue on 9 April 2021. The dialogue session was held to resolve some of the issues faced by the construction industry and served as a platform for networking and idea-sharing among over 40 representatives including some Government representatives, namely from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia, Department of Labour (JTK) Peninsular Malaysia, Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia and Construction Labour Exchange Centre Berhad (CLAB).
During the night of 9 April, MBAM celebrated our 66th Anniversary in a dinner celebration held at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The dinner rescheduled from last year was graced by Datuk Ir. Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid, CIDB Chief Executive representing the Senior Minister of Works.
In a special video message, Senior Minister YB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof urged all contractors to adhere to the Safety SOPs which are already in place in reducing unwanted accidents. “It is my fervent hope that MBAM will seize this opportunity in championing work site safety in the construction industry not only for the construction workers but also the public at large. This is evident as we witnessed several major accidents involving the lives of workers and passer-by at construction sites recently” said Fadillah.
The theme chosen for MBAM 66th Anniversary is “Building the Next Decade”. For construction industry, there are opportunities for contractors to make worksites better and to construct safer. Whilst the industry is going through some challenges now, MBAM believe that the next decade is certainly one of hope and excitement too. MBAM is also glad to note that the Ministry of Works Malaysia has embarked on some initiatives to digitise the country’s infrastructure in line with the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0.
It is hoped that the Malaysian construction industry will come back stronger than ever before and be resilient in facing this challenge in modern times which is unimaginable. While the nation is seeing another spike in the number of positive COVID-19 cases daily, I hope that all members have registered for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme to curb and put an end to COVID-19.
I would like to wish our Muslim friends “Salam Aidilfitri. Maaf Zahir dan Batin” and do stay safe always.
Tan Sri Sufri Hj Mhd Zin PSM, SSAP, DPTJ
President, MBAM