PRESIDENT MESSAGE- NOVEMBER
A total of RM280.25 billion is allocated for Budget 2018 which was tabled on 27th October 2017. This is an increase of RM19.45 billion or 7.45% increase compared to Budget 2017 allocation of RM260.8 billion. According to the 2017/2018 Economic Report, the construction industry is forecasted to grow at 7.5% supported by ongoing infrastructure projects. MBAM fully supported the Government initiatives to adopt digital & mechanization in construction industry which one of the way is through adopt of IBS.
The industry players who adopt and implement the use of Industrialised Building System (IBS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) should be granted with equipment tax reduction and tax incentives. We believe that mechanisation and automation is the way forward for us to reduce our dependency on the use of foreign labour and to increase productivity and safety in the industry.
The following are the main MBAM’s events on October 2017:
MBAM SCAFFOLDING COURSE 29TH INTAKE (LEVEL 1 – BASIC)
The trainees for the scaffolding course
The Level 1 (Basic) Scaffolding Course 29th intake was successfully held on 2nd – 11th October 2017 with 12 participants who were briefed by MBAM Senior Assistant Manager, Mr Mohd Farhan Bin Mohammad Din.
The structured approach of learning using the Training Modules and Methods of presentation is designed to give a comprehensive overview of the work process so that it is in compliance with the scaffolding standard BS 1139 and the requirement of the legislations. After attending this session, participants will be able to compare and understand all the scaffolding systems and procedures between Frame, Tubular and Modular types.
CTOS E-SOLUTION SEMINAR: CREDIT RISK IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR & MANPOWER RESOLUTION
Among the participants of the seminar
With the speakers and the MBAM Treasurer General, Mr Kenneth Liew (right)
The MBAM Finance Committee organised the Seminar on CTOS E-Solution Seminar: Credit Risk in Construction Sector & Manpower Resolution on 3rd October 2017 at MBAM Training Centre. The event was attended by 36 participants. MBAM Executive Director, Ms Loh Mei Ling delivered the welcome remarks, introduced and thanked Director of Product & Marketing of CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd, Mr Wong Pau Min and Managing Director of Verity Intelligence Group (Malaysia & Singapore), Mr Mark Leow for supporting this event and making it a success by sharing their vast knowledge on the subject matter.
MITRAJAYA CHARITY RUN – 2017
The representatives of MBAM
On 8th October 2017, MBAM secretariat staff took part in Mitrajaya Charity Run at Padang Semarak, Taman Wetlands, Putrajaya. The run was divided into three category namely 5KM Fun Run/ 5KM Veteran Category and 10KM Open Category. The charity run managed to collected up to RM80,000 and donated it to five charity organisation namely, National Kidney Foundation, Malaysia Nature Society, St. John Ambulance of Malaysia, Persatuan Dialisis Kurnia Petaling Jaya and Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation.
MBAM was represented by MBAM Executive Director, Ms Loh Mei Ling, MBAM Manager, Ms Chai Min Fung, MBAM Senior Assistant Manager, Mr Mohd Farhan, MBAM Personal Assistant to Executive Director, Ms Lim Jong Joan, MBAM Public Relations Executive, Ms Tessa Hamid, MBAM Account & Admin Executive, Ms Tan Lee Teng, MBAM IT & Admin Executive, Mr Muhammad Fadzley, MBAM Admin Oficer, Ms Nor Azlina, MBAM Account and Admin Assistant, Ms Nurul Amirah and MBAM Admin Assistant, Ms Fadhira Aqilah and I. We are proud to be a part of this charity run and helped to contribute funds to all the charity organisations.
MBAM CONFERENCE ON ISSUES AND REMEDIES RELATED TO THE NOMINATED SUB-CONTRACTOR ARRANGEMENT
With the Guest of Honour, Yang Arif Dato’ Lee Swee Seng, the High Court Judge, Construction Court, Kuala Lumpur (3rd from left)
MBAM Council Members are seen here with the invited speakers
MBAM and Construction Industry Development Board, Malaysia (CIDB) co-organised the MBAM Conference on Issues and Remedies Related to Nominated Sub-Contracting Arrangement on 10th October 2017 at Holiday Villa Hotel & Conference Centre Subang. The conference was held to provide deeper insight on some of the common provisions in construction contracts and the implications. It is vital for companies to understand the necessary administrative contractual requirements in order to better manage the potential risks involved and avoid unnecessary disputes.
The conference was well received with more than 80 people attending. Yang Arif Dato’ Lee Swee Seng, the High Court Judge, Construction Court, Kuala Lumpur was the Guest of Honour and the keynote speaker for the event.
The signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding between MBAM and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) was also organised concurrently with the Conference. The MoU was signed by Mr Ian Cowling as ICES President and I, witnessed by the MBAM Vice President, Mr Oliver Wee and ICES Board Member and Director BK SURCO, Mr John Battersby. The MOU was also witnessed by the Yang Arif Dato’ Lee Swee Seng.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed to provide the basis for further consultations between the two organisations in order to identify ways that MBAM and ICES may co-operate on matters in common relating to building and to civil engineering surveying. Similarly, the MoU also aims to provide joint action in areas of common interest such as continuing professional development, education, member services, professional services, relevant services to building and civil engineering industries, conferences as well as training.
JUDGING DAY FOR MBAM-PAM ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMPETITION FOR THE NEW MBAM CENTRE
The discussion session between the judges to determine the winners
A group photo with the judges
The MBAM – PAM Architectural Design Competition for the New MBAM Centre judging day was organised on 16th October 2017 at PAM Centre. PAM has received 79 submissions at the close of competition on 6th October 2017 at 5.00pm. Two submissions were disqualified due to non-registration and late submission respectively. There was a participant who submitted with model though it was not part of the requirements. The model was accepted but it was not considered for judging.
The jurors listed their preferred designs that encapsulated the essence of MBAM aspiration. Thereafter, the preference were shortlisted for evaluation based on the above criteria. The results were deliberated at length before concluding the winners of the competition. The announcement of the winners was made at the Opening Ceremony of the MBAM OneBuild Conference & Exhibition on 2nd November 2017.
MBAM 2-DAYS SEMINAR ON OSH IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY & MEWPS WORKSHOP IN MIRI, SARAWAK
Presentation of souvenirs to the guest of honour and VIPs
Among the attendees for the two days seminar
The 2-Day Seminar on Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) and Workshop on Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) was jointly organised by MBAM Safety and Health Committee together with the Sarawak Building & Civil Engineering Contractors Association (SBCECA). The two days seminar was held on 19th – 20th October 2017 at Miri Marriott Resort & Spa, Sarawak.
This Seminar was held with the aim to enhance the standard of safety and health at construction work sites by enhancing 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 among industry practitioners. The Director General, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia, YBhg. Dato’ Ir. Mohtar bin Musri officiated the seminar as the Guest-of-Honour.
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD MALAYSIA (CIDB) TN50 DIALOGUE SESSION WITH MINISTRY OF WORKS
During the launching of the special book entitled ‘Malaysia’s Construction Marvels in 60 years of Merdeka’
Group photo at the TN50 dialogue session
CIDB Malaysia conducted a Transformation 2050 (TN50) dialogue session with construction industry players and stakeholders at Dewan Tun Dr Ismail, PWTC on 24th October 2017. The dialogue session was chaired by the Minister of Works, Dato’ Sri Fadillah Bin Haji Yusof accompanied by the Secretary General of Ministry of Works, Dato’ Sri Zohari Bin Haji Akob, CIDB Chairman, Tan Sri Dr Ir Ahmad Tajuddin Ali and moderated by CIDB Chief Executive Dato Ir Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid. The dialogue session was aimed at gaining input from the audience to ensure the successful implementation of TN50.
TN50 was an important government agenda to get feedback and proposal on ideas and initiatives to transform the country to be the frontier not just in construction but also in all industries. Most members of the floor highlighted manpower issues were the main challenges in the growth of this construction industry. The dialogue session ended on a successful note with the Minister and his team assurance that all the suggestion would be highlighted accordingly. Before concluded, the Minister also launched a special book entitled ‘Malaysia’s Construction Marvels in 60 years of Merdeka’.
MBAM FELLOWSHIP NO. 4/2017
Mr Marko Melto gave a short presentation to introduce the ALLU Mass Stabilisation Machine and the ALLU Transformer screening bucket
Among the guest at the 4th edition of the fellowship this year
Sponsored by Power Ram Sdn Bhd and ALLU Finland Oy, MBAM successfully organised the MBAM Fellowship No. 4/2017 on 27th October 2017 at Voizup, Wisma Miramas, Jalan Klang Lama. There were 148 people attended the fellowship.
A small token of presentation was given by YBhg. Tan Sri AK Nathan to the Managing Director, Power Ram Sdn Bhd, Mr Kok Kwong Yip and Area Export Manager of ALLU Finland Oy, Mr Marko Melto. Mr Marko Melto then gave a short presentation to introduce the ALLU Mass Stabilisation Machine and the ALLU Transformer screening bucket to the construction community. The ALLU “Stabi” and “Transformers screening bucket” introduced are able to enhance the dynamics and cost effectiveness of mass stabilisation and recycling. After that, guests were treated to variety of food and beverages. The fellowship enabled members to catch up with each other on a regular basis besides providing a strong network for members to interact with MBAM as the umbrella association. The event generated a good buzz with all the attendees and everyone enjoyed the well-attended event.
THE SELANGOR & KUALA LUMPUR PLUMBING ASSOCIATION (SKLPA) PLUMBING 58TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
With the President of SKLPA, Mr Lock Mei Wah (2nd from right)
The presentation of souvenir from MBAM to SKLPA as a token of appreciation
The Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Plumbing Association (SKLPA) 58th Anniversary Dinner was held at Ideal Convention Centre, Selayang on 27th October 2017. MBAM Secretary General, Mr Dennis Tan, MBAM Assistant General Manager, Mr Michael Thong and I also attended the event.
In my speech, I talked about the Ministry of Finance’s proposal on the monitoring system for foreign workers’ remuneration, whereby all transaction must be through bank transaction. The Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Human Resources, Bank Negara Malaysia, as well as Department of Immigration would work together to facilitate the said proposal. The objective of the proposal is to monitor the outflow of funds. Still on the issue of foreign workers’ remuneration, I highlighted that MBAM had scheduled a talk on “Foreign Workers’ Liability to Pay Income Tax” on 31st October 2017 at MBAM Training Centre. In conjunction with the Talk, there would also be a briefing on the latest requirements for recruitments of foreign workers including the workers accommodation requirements for the construction industry.
Foo Chek Lee
President