PRESIDENT MESSAGE- OCTOBER
We are left with a few more months before we enter 2018. However, October will be a crucial month for this country as the Budget 2018 will be tabled on 27th October 2017. All eyes will be on the Budget 2018 as it will be most interesting to know whether there will be an increase or decrease in the Budget. The Budget 2017 allocated a sum of RM260.8 billion, an increase of 3.4% from the Budget 2016 Recalibration. I am looking forward to see if there are any increase in the Budget for the building and construction industry.
On another note, below is the highlight of MBAM’s events in September;-
COURTESY VISIT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATION OF INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATIONS (CICA)

Presentation of 60th MBAM Coffee Table Book to the President of the Confederation of International Contractors’ Associations (CICA), Mr Jorge Mas

The President of the Confederation of International Contractors’ Associations (CICA), Mr Jorge Mas
The President of the Confederation of International Contractors’ Associations (CICA), Mr Jorge Mas paid a courtesy visit to MBAM on 6th September 2017. The purpose of the visit by CICA was to promote CICA membership to MBAM. In brief the Confederation of International Contractors’ Associations (CICA) is a non-profit, voluntary and global association of trade associations representing member construction firms from their respective regions. Its mission include to serve, promote and enhance the image of the construction industry across the world. The meeting also shared views and insight on the construction industry in the ASEAN region.
3-DAYS PROFESSIONAL IBS TRAINING

Ir. Dr. Mukhtar Che Ali was the trainer for Modules 1, 3 & 5

Ir. Saiful Adli Abdul Karim conducted training for module 2 and 4
MBAM IBS committee organised a 3-days professional IBS training on 8th – 10th September 2017 at MBAM Training Centre. This was the 2nd intake for this year. IBS Committee Members, Ir. Quah Beng Teong and Ir. Tang Lai Peng both attended the training. A total of 20 participants were approved and were subsidised by CIDB Malaysia to attend the training.
The trainer for this training was Ir. Dr. Mukhtar Che Ali who was formerly the General Manager of Construction Material Division from CIDB Malaysia. He conducted Modules 1, 3 & 5 while Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) Council Member, Ar. Abu Zarim Abu Bakar and member of Institute of Engineering Malaysia (IEM), Ir. Saiful Adli Abdul Karim conducted training for module 2 and 4 respectively. Overall the feedbacks from the participants were that the training was educational and had enhanced their knowledge.
MBAM FELLOWSHIP NO. 3/ 2017 AND MBAM DARTS & POOL COMPETITIONS 2017

The players in action

The winners of the MBAM Darts & Pool Competition 2017
The MBAM Publications & Outreach Committee successfully organized the MBAM Darts & Pool Competitions 2017 under the leadership of the Organizing Chairman, Mr Jerry Lau of Macro Resources Sdn Bhd. The competition which was held together with MBAM Fellowship No. 3/2017 was held on 8th September 2017 at the Merchant Pub, Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya.
The events was attended by 167 participants, including 26 players for Darts and 21 players for Pool. For the Darts competition, after a heart stopping final match, the defending champion from last year was dethroned by a contender. The final results were as follows:
Champion: Mr Yogeswaran S/O Supramaniam (Ireka) winning a trophy and RM600.00 in cash
1st Runner Up: Mr Alex Loh (PIKOM / VM Ware) winning a trophy and RM400.00 in cash
2nd Runner Up: Mr Ooi Chee Eng (MMC Gamuda) winning a trophy and RM200.00 in cash
The Pool competition also saw very competitive play from all participants. The final results were as follows:
Champion: Mr Khoo Zi Wei (DFO Resources) winning a trophy and RM600.00 in cash
1st Runner Up: Mr Alan Siew Meng Poh (IJM) winning a trophy and RM400.00 in cash
2nd Runner Up: Mr Tan Jiunn Ming (Strong Force) winning a trophy and RM200.00 in cash
The event lasted until late at night and overall the attendees had a good time to network and socialize with each other. MBAM Publications & Outreach Committee would like to thank the following companies for their kind sponsorship of the events:
- Geo Ground Engineering Operations Malaysia Sdn Bhd
- Macro Resources Sdn Bhd
- Unipati Concrete Sdn Bhd
- North Soil Eng (M) Sdn Bhd
- Alpace Engineering Sdn Bhd
Without their support, the events would not have been as successful as it was.
MBAM 2 DAYS SEMINAR ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH (OSH) IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY & MEWPS WORKSHOP, JOHOR

Among the participants for the seminar

The Director General, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia, YBhg. Dato’ Ir. Mohtar bin Musri (center) was invited as the Guest of Honour
Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) Safety and Health Committee together with the Johore Master Builders Association (JMBA) jointly organised the 2-Days Seminar on Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) and Workshop on Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) on 11th – 12th September 2017 at Double Tree by Hilton Johor Bahru. The Director General, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia, YBhg. Dato’ Ir. Mohtar bin Musri were present as the Guest of Honour for the opening ceremony. In total 90 participants attended this Seminar.
This Seminar was held with the aim to enhance the standard of safety and health at construction work sites by creating awareness among the employers and construction personnel on the importance of practicing high standard of occupational safety management and also by the sharing of best practices with industry practitioners.
This seminar has helped participants to list out the characteristics and the potential hazards of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) and to understand the machine types and use, structural parts and MEWPs selection, increased their awareness on the importance of operator training and familiarisation as well as on the correct MEWPs personal fall protection and the safe operating methods and hazard awareness.
MBAM CSR – LIGHT FOR LIFE AT ROYAL BELUM PERAK

The volunteers work together to take the water tank to the Orang Asli villages

All the volunteers showed a strong teamwork to disseminate the goodies to the Orang Asli faster

Group picture with the villagers
The MBAM CSR Activity 2017 – Light for Life was held from 15th to 17th September 2017 at the Belum-Temenggor Forest Reserve, Perak. The event saw the participation of 58 participants from MBAM member companies.
The scope of the CSR Activity 2017 were as follows:
- Gen-sets refurbishment works & electricity distribution works for the Orang Asli communities at Kampung Chuweh Baru and Kampung Chuweh;
- Cabinets, books & stationeries for the new kindergarten at Kampung Chuweh Baru; and
- 4 water tanks for Kampung Chuweh Baru and Kampung Chuweh (2 water tanks each).
MBAM also went on a donation drive to collect books, clothes and toys among others to be channeled for immediate use by the Orang Asli and their children.
Apart from the CSR activity, participants also had the opportunity to enjoy the nature, and to participate in activities arranged by Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) such as visiting the salt lick area (Sirai Gajah) where we saw fresh elephant droppings, water confidence programme, and jungle trekking to see the bud of Rafflesia flower. MBAM Publications & Outreach Committee would like to thank the following companies for their kind sponsorship of the events:
- Eversendai Constructions (M) Sdn Bhd
- Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Sufri Bin Hj Mohd Zin
- Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd
- Latimer Corporation Sdn Bhd
- Bina Puri Holdings Berhad
- Gamuda Berhad
- IJM Corporation Berhad
- Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Berhad
- Fajarbaru Builder Sdn Bhd
- Ikhmas Jaya Sdn Bhd
- Pembinaan Mitrajaya Sdn Bhd
- Redscape Sdn Bhd
- WCT Berhad
- LFE Engineering Sdn Bhd
- Crest Builder Sdn Bhd
- VME Material Handling Sdn Bhd
- Jotun (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
- VSL Engineers (M) Sdn Bhd
- Trans Elite Group Sdn Bhd
- Mudajaya Corporation Berhad
- Asia Ton Machineries Sdn Bhd
Several MBAM Member companies also contributed books, clothes, toys and dry foods for the Orang Asli and their children. Among the companies were:
- Mudajaya Corporation Berhad
- Axisjaya Sdn Bhd
- Alumni Graduate Members
Without their support, the events would not have been as successful as it was. Overall the CSR activity and the other arranged activities was fun and fulfilling, and it had enhanced the camaraderie among the staff of MBAM member companies.
THE MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017 (MCIEA)

The MBAM Council Members

Among the winners of the MCIEA 2017
The Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), organised the annual Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards (MCIEA) 2017 on 15th September 2017 to recognise the achievements of 26 industry players which saw Ahmad Zaki Resources Berhad emerging as the biggest winner, taking home 3 out of the 26 awards for the night, including the prestigious Builder of the Year Award.
The Guest of Honour at the MCIEA 2017 awards ceremony was the Minister of Works, Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof. Also present were Deputy Minister of Works, Datuk Rosnah Binti Haji Abdul Rashid Shirlin, Secterary-General, Ministry of Works, Dato’ Sri Zohari Bin Haji Akob, Chairman of CIDB Malaysia, Tan Sri Dr. Ir. Ahmad Tajuddin Ali and Chief Executive of CIDB Malaysia, Dato’ Ir. Ahmad ‘Asri bin Abdul Hamid.
Other key winners at the MCIEA 2017 include MMC-Gamuda KVMRT Sdn Bhd (Best Project Award for Infrastructure – Major), Eversendai Corporation Berhad (International Achievement Award), Pembinaan Mitrajaya Sdn Bhd (Safety & Health Award) and Setia Precast Sdn Bhd (Industrialised Building Systems Award).
Introduced by CIDB Malaysia in 2000, MCIEA 2017 marks the 17th instalment of the industry awards that covers individuals, organisations and projects that have contributed and demonstrated excellence in enhancing the image, performance and improvement of the construction industry.
MALAYSIA-CHINA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (MCCC) RECEIVING DELEGATION FROM JIANGSU CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING ADMINISTRATION

The opening ceremony

Group photo with the other invited guest
On 15th September 2017, MBAM were invited to attend “Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Receiving Delegation from Jiangsu Construction Engineering Administration”. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation between Malaysia and Jiangsu, China in infrastructure construction and investment in field of estate, to have more friendly communication and to seek opportunities to cooperate.
THE VISIT OF H.E. DR. WANG QINMIN, CHAIRMAN OF ALL-CHINA FEDERATION OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE (ACFIC) AND DELEGATION

Group photo with all the delegation

The MBAM Secretary General, Mr Dennis Tan (centre) and General Manager at Top Glove Corporation Berhad, Mr Eric Hoo Saw Ho (right)
On 18th September 2017, MBAM was invited by The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) to attend the visit of H.E. Dr. Wang Qinmin, Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and 21 Delegates exchange meeting.
MBAM Secretary General, Mr Dennis Tan, MBAM Assistant Manager, Mr Leon Leong and I attended the meeting.
MBAM SCAFFOLDING TRAINING – BASIC COMPETENCY COURSE: LEVEL 1
Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) has organized a series of scaffolding training for our Members and industry players. The Level 1 (Basic) Scaffolding Course 28th intake was successfully held on 18th – 27th September 2017 with 12 participants. The course was attended and briefed by MBAM Senior Assistant Manager, Mr Mohd Farhan Bin Mohammad Din.
This course is designed for any personnel involved in heavy industry and construction and is especially relevant to personnel who are:
- Hands on personnel
- Safety & Health practitioners who are responsible to coordinate plan and implement scaffolding work at work site
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.
This Competency Scaffolding training is approved and recognized by DOSH and is 100% HRDF claimable. Participating company will be given an approved 20 CIDB CCD Points for each employee attending this training as well as 10 DOSH CEP Points.
STUDY VISIT TO SP SETIA BHD’S CONSTRUCTION SITE AND PLY TEC FORMWORK SYSTEM’S CONSTRUCTION SITE

Group picture at the SP Setia construction site

Inside the project site of the PLY Tec Formwork
In conjunction with the South African delegation’s visit to Malaysia, MBAM conducted a series of study visits to our members’ project sites on 19th September 2017. A total of 15 people participated in the study visit. The participants was first taken to the SP Setia Bhd’s construction site at Setia Alam. The housing development project was constructed using the precast construction system to ensure consistent quality on completion with lesser defects thus reducing rectification costs and inconveniences. This system also uses less labour as most of the structural components can be prefabricated off site.
Next, they were taken to Ply Tec FormWork System’s office in Puchong to be briefed on the Green Formwork which is a formwork system comprising both vertical forms for reinforced concrete elements like column and wall; as well as horizontal forms for slab and beams. It is a puzzle style system which can be erected and stripped off efficiently and with high degree of safety. Thanks to the early stripping feature, Green Formwork system actually performs and requires a much shorter construction cycle, between 5-7 days. Hence, the system can produce concrete work area of 4-6 times of its own surface area monthly; this is more than two times the productivity of conventional timber method. They were then taken to the project site in Sungai Besi. The visit was also participated by the Deputy Commissioner of the South African Embassy, Mr Vickesh P Maharaj.
In conclusion, the visits were very informative for the South African delegates and they expressed hope that they can visit Malaysia again to learn more about the local construction industry.
SEMINAR ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOUSING PROJECTS IN SOUTH AFRICAN

Presentation of 60th MBAM Coffee Table book to the South African High Commissioner, Her Excellency Ms Samkelisiwe Isabel Mhlanga

Group photo with all the participants
MBAM and the South African High Commission jointly organised a half day “Seminar on Opportunities for Housing Projects in South Africa” on 20th September 2017 at the Grand Millennium Hotel. This is in conjunction with the South African business delegation to Malaysia from 19th – 20th September 2017. A total of 36 participations from both Malaysia and South Africa attended the seminar.
The purpose of the seminar is to present on the project opportunities in South Africa in particular the housing project. Present at the event on behalf MBAM were Deputy President YBhg Tan Sri A.K. Nathan and Secretary-General Mr Dennis Tan as well as Council Members YBhg Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, Mr Chong Tat Yam, Mr Fong Tet Yong, Mr Kow Choong Ming and Mr Lau Yew Mun. Representatives from MATRADE and CIDB Malaysia were also present at the event.
The following presentations were presented:
- Opportunities For Housing Projects In South Africa by Housing Development Agency
- South African Built Environment Regulatory by National Home Builders Registration Council
- Implementation of Mega Human Settlements Projects by Department of Human Settlements, South Africa
The seminar ended with an invitation from the South Africa High Commission to MBAM members to South Africa for a business visit to understand and learn about the housing projects opportunities in South Africa. After the seminar, both Malaysian and South Africans delegates took the opportunities to network among themselves.
Overall, the event was informative.
CHINESE DELEGATION FROM HEILONGJIANG CONSTRUCTION GROUP PTE LTD AND CHINA STATE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING (M) SDN BHD COURTESY VISIT TO MBAM

The representatives from Heilongjiang Construction Group Pte Ltd and China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd

Group picture with the delegates
On 22nd September 2017, a group of Chinese delegation from Heilongjiang Construction Group and China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd paid a courtesy visit to MBAM accompanied by ARDC group. The purpose of the visit was to enhance the relationship between the groups and MBAM.
There were 3 delegates from Heilongjiang Construction Group namely General Manager, Mr Lu Yao Wu, Deputy General Manager, Mr Zhang Hong Tu and Deputy General Manager, Mr Liang Er Jun. The Managing Director of Malaysia Branch, China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd, Mr Lyu En and the Managing Director from ARDC Group, Ms Rebecca Deng as well as the Personal Assistant to Managing Director from ARDC Group, Ms Kerynne Lai also attended the said meeting.
DESIGNATED PERSON (DP) TRAINING

During the DP Training session
Designated Person (DP) training on concreting is created to fulfil occupational safety & health (OSH) legal requirements especially on BOWEC (S) Regulation 1986 whereby, an employer is required to appoint Designated Person to supervise and inspect concreting work at construction site. Thus, this course objective is to produce a qualified construction personnel that is not only equipped with sound technical knowledge, and at the same time possessed strong relevant OSH skills. This program was carried out in two and half days. The syllabus of the DP Training include roles of DP for Concreting Works, technical knowledge on concreting, legal provision on concreting, Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC) and half day written and oral assessments.
This DP Training on concreting started it first intake in May 2017 and the final intake for this year will be in December 2017. We are planning to extend the training to include courses on demolition, piling, excavation and lifting supervisor in future and we hope members will support this much needed initiative.
Foo Chek Lee
President