< Previous28 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #122 Industry & Practices IP Meeting—KPKT’s Circular on Application Procedures for Preparing Temporary Workers’ Accommodation 5 APRIL 2021 Held in MBAM secretariat office and attended by Human Resources Development Committee members and a number of council members, the meeting discussed the details of a circular by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) and its impact to the construction industry. Among the issues discussed were: 1. Validity of the application procedure which is three years (until 2023) – MBAM would like to request that the government continue allowing on-site workers’ accommodation after 2023 as long as it complies with the requirements of Act 446. 2. Renewal of the temporary permit for workers’ accommodation should be based on the duration of the construction project instead of a yearly renewal, and payment for the holding fee should be one-off or one-time only upon approval. 3. The principal submitting person should not be limited to the Meeting in progress architect, but open to all, such as the planner, professional engineer, etc. 4. To exclude certain documents required for the application of Kebenaran Merancang (KM) – items 4, 5 & 10 of Attachment 2(c) of the Circular. • Item 4 – Hak Milik Tanah/Surat Persetujuan Bank/Perjanjian Jual Beli/Sijil Cagaran Rasmi Hak Milik Tanah • Item 5 – Laporan Cadangan Pemajuan (LCP) • Item 10 – Dokumen Kiraan Caj Pemajuan To obtain a copy of the circular, kindly email MBAM Senior Manager Chai Min Fung at mbam06@mbam.org.my. Meeting—Safe Climbing Platform (SCP) Guidelines 15 APRIL 2021 Discussion on SCP guidelines The meeting was held at MBAM Training Centre to discuss and finalise the draft guidelines on the SCP. The meeting reviewed comments to be incorporated into the guidelines and agreed on the ‘Guidelines for Safe Use of Self-Climbing Perimeter Protective Screen (SCPPS)’. The revised version of the modules will be circulated to all working group members for final comments. The meeting was attended by Council Member cum Chairman of MBAM Safety & Health Committee Michael Yap, representatives from Technological Association Malaysia (TAM), Louis Tay and Chu Wei Yew, Wan Mohd Fadzil Bin Wan Sapiansori from Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), MBAM Executive Director Loh Mei Ling and MBAM secretariat staff.29 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #122 Industry & Practices IP Under the chairmanship of the MBAM Technical Committee, council member, Nalla Sundran held the meeting at the MBAM Training Centre with the end users and importers of precast concrete strands. The objectives of the meeting were to seek views and responses and to recommend proposals to counter the anti-dumping petition. The meeting highlighted a similar but short-lived case which happened in the 1990s where anti- dumping duties were imposed but subsequently withdrawn after the intervention by the World Trade Organisation nine months later. It was agreed that responses to the petition are to be made via two streams, one by the exporters/importers and the other by end users. It was noted that the exporters/ importers would have to submit confidential data in their responses while end users may opt for non-confidential ones. MBAM would respond to the petition and submit views based on the feedback from this meeting on a non-confidential basis. It was agreed that an immediate step was for all parties to write to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to request for an extension of at least one month for the submission of responses. All participants unanimously agreed to respond and rebuke the petition and to request for MITI to terminate the investigation. Present at the meeting were Director, BBR Construction Systems (M) Sdn Bhd, Ho Kim-Tuan; General Manager, Engtex Metal Products Sdn Bhd, Tan Sing Kui; Assistant Marketing Manager Freyssinet PSC (M) Sdn Bhd, Mala Manickiam; Executive Director, Strong Force (M) Sdn Bhd, Shaun Lim; and Director, Wire & Wire Products (M) Sdn Bhd, Robert Chiew. Besides Nalla, MBAM was represented by Technical Director Ir Quah Beng Teong, Executive Director Loh Mei Ling, General Manager Michael Thong as well as its secretariat staff, Leon Leong and Nuruljannah Mohd Salleh. 16 APRIL 2021 Meeting—Notice of Initiation of Anti-Dumping Duty Investigation: Imports of Stranded Steel Wires for Prestressing Concrete Originating/Exported from the People’s Republic of China30 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #122 Industry & Practices IP President Tan Sri Sufri at the meeting with MITI and the Prime Minister Prime Minister Meets Industry Players 15 APRIL 2021 The meeting was organised by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) at Menara MITI, Kuala Lumpur and attended by MBAM President Tan Sri Sufri Hj Mhd Zin, where he presented MBAM’s objection to the expansion of the Human Resources Development Fund (PSMB) Act 2001 to cover the construction industry and to iterate the need to re- introduce the variation of price (VOP) clause in controlling the prices of building materials. Feedback on MBAM’s appeal, including on the inclusion of VOP clause in Act 829 (COVID-19 Act), is needed along with any decisions made. After the meeting, MBAM sent a memorandum on the two issues to the Prime Minister. 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. Online Discussion with MyMudah —Renewal of Contractor’s License 16 APRIL 2021 The purpose of the meeting was to validate some information regarding the renewal of the contractor’s license following a complaint from the public on the matter to MyMudah. Issues raised included: 1. the enhancement of the flexibility of Perakuan Kontraktor Tempatan (PKT) validity period; 2. the need to have a clear checklist for supporting documents for the renewal of Perakuan Pendaftaran Kontraktor (PPK); 3. the inability to submit tenders during the renewal period, which contributes to potential loss of revenue and projects; 4. additional processing fees incurred for renewals; and 5. the time-consuming request for information. The advice was for the relevant party to pursue the matter personally with the relevant agency. The session enabled both organisations to identify and discuss issues and potential solutions that may help improve contractor registration in the industry. MBAM was represented by President Tan Sri Sufri Hj Mhd Zin, Deputy Sec-Gen 1 Ir Anthony Teoh, Deputy Sec-Gen 2 Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, Executive Director Loh Mei Ling and General Manager Lenny Lim. Meeting with CIDB—MBAM Lifting Supervisor Training Accreditation 12 APRIL 2021 Held at CIDB World Trade Centre, the objective of the meeting was to discuss CIDB accreditation for the MBAM Lifting Supervisor Training Programme under the CIDB Act 520 as skills training. The meeting was attended by Council Member and Chairman of MBAM Safety & Health Committee Michael Yap, Lead Trainer Abdullah Embong and Manager Mohd Farhan. CIDB was represented by General Manager of Supervisory & Management Competency Division Heryanti Hilmi, General Manager of Competency Skills Development Division Annis Othman and Manager Nur Faeeza Hamdan Fadel. From left: Farhan, Abdullah, Yap, Annis and Heryanti31 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #122 Industry & Practices IP Briefing—Safe@Work 28 APRIL 2021 Tan Sri Sufri listening to the briefing CIDB organised the briefing with the assistance of MITI following the 18 March 2021 announcement by Senior Minister of Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali on introducing the Safe@ Work initiative to balance the continuity of manufacturing operations and pandemic control amongst workers. This is to understand and gather feedback on whether the initiative can be applied to the building and construction sector. CIDB Senior General Manager of Policy & Corporate Sector, Ahmad Farrin Mokhtar delivered the opening remarks for the online meeting. Principal assistant director of MITI’s Industrial Development Division, Mazmen Abdul Hamid said this programme was presented to Prime Minister Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin bin Muhammad Yasin on 3 March 2021. MITI then introduced the plan to the manufacturing sector on 1 April 2021 to curb the spread of COVID-19. Companies can create a safe work bubble so that despite having confirmed COVID-19 cases amongst its employees, those under close contact can still work within this safe work bubble, which of course, comes with conditions that need to be complied with, including overall safety and related SOPs. There will be tax incentives of up to RM 50,000.00 per company and the programme is voluntary. The programme uses the COVID-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS). Once a company has registered with the system, the company may apply for the Safe@Work Programme. Elements of Safe@Work include testing of workers, measures at work and management of cases, which include management of workers and their accommodation. MBAM President Tan Sri Sufri Hj Mhd Zin said the construction industry is different compared to the manufacturing industry and there is a need to relook at how the construction industry can comply with the requirements. At present, there are many barriers for the industry to adopt the Safe@Work requirements. Further amendments need to be made to the current SOP of the manufacturing sector to suit the needs of the construction sector. Before the meeting concluded, MBAM requested that CIDB propose the SOP for the construction industry. CIDB will be calling for another meeting to discuss its proposal. Also present at the meeting were MBAM Vice President Chung Soo Kiong, Executive Director Loh Mei Ling, General Manager Lenny Lim and Senior Executive Officer, Shirley Foo. Request for Urgent Assistance to Resolve Issues Related to the COVID-19 CIMS Work Approval and JTK Approval Process During the FMCO 21 JUNE 2021 A meeting to resolve issues related to the COVID-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS) work approval and Jabatan Kerja Raya’s (JTK) approval process during the full movement control order (FMCO) was held. In general, the guiding principles for approval in the COVID-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS) are: both company and project must be registered with CIDB Malaysia, project must involve critical and essential works, submission must have location address as well as the name of project and 60% personnel at site compliance. MBAM President Tan Sri Sufri Haji Mhd Zin and Secretary-General Dato’ Sri Eric Kuan Khian Leng sought clarification on how the 60% is being categorised or calculated. On the matter of JTK or local authority (PBT) approval, which is needed before work is allowed despite having gotten the CIMS approval, was also raised. Members are asked to submit the application to JTK and PBT via CIMS as well. There is also the matter of the value chain which needs to be in operation to support critical works. For example, a façade works contractor may obtain work approval but will be unable to work if the glass factory is not operating. MBAM appealed for the authorities to review the matter as it affects construction works. MBAM also asked for a checklist to be given to MBAM members so that the members can decide and understand the process before they apply via the CIMS. Representing MBAM at the meeting were President Tan Sri Sufri Haji Mhd Zin, Honorary Advisor Datuk Matthew Tee, Vice Presidents Chung Soo Kiong, Eric Yong Shang Ming and Kenneth Liew, Secretary-General Dato’ Sri Eric Kuan Khian Leng, Deputy Secretary-General 1 Ir Anthony Teoh Teik Thiam, Deputy Secretary-Generaral 2 Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, council member Michael Yap, Executive Director Loh Mei Ling, General Manager Lenny Lim, Manager Mohd. Farhan Mohammad Din and Senior Executive Officer Shirley Foo. The meeting was chaired by Senior General Manager, Technological Development Sector and Contractor & Levy Sector, Tuan Zaid Zakaria.32 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #122 Industry & Practices IP The virtual meeting was chaired by Immediate Past President cum MBAM Human Resources Development (HRD) Committee Chairman Foo Chek Lee. MBAM was also represented by Deputy Secretary-General 2 cum HRD Committee Deputy Chairman I Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, Deputy Chairman II Mazlan Haron, committee member Ir Chuan Yeong Ming, Executive Director Loh Mei Ling as well as members of the secretariat Lenny Lim, Chai Min Fung and Jocelyn Ng. Associations invited to the briefing were Persatuan Kontraktor Melayu Malaysia (PKMM), Persatuan Kontraktor Bumiputera Malaysia (PKBM), Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Pembina Malaysia (UMCA), Persatuan Kontraktor India Malaysia (PKIM), Malacca Builders Association, Penang Master Builders and Johore Master Builders Association. The attendees were briefed on the latest updates from the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) following MBAM’s meeting with JTKSM Director-General Asri Ab. Rahman and other representatives on 6 May 2021 at the latter’s office in Putrajaya. Earlier, on 25 February 2021, MBAM, together with PKMM, PKBM, Guild of Bumiputera Contractors Wibawa (GBC Wibawa), UMCA and PKIM, wrote a joint memorandum to the Ministry of Human Resources on the latest amendments to the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) under the Emergency Ordinance. Mazlan started the briefing with the latest updates by JTKSM on the implementation and enforcement of Act 446 for the construction sector. Foo then elaborated on the outcome of the meeting with JTKSM. Although the enforcement of Act 446 has been extended to 31 December 2021, JTK will continue its enforcement across the country without compromise. Warning notices will be issued to employers who fail to comply with the Act. For serious non-compliance, actions in accordance to the provision of the Act will be taken by JTK. However, JTK will still focus on giving advice and guidance to employers to ensure all employers are able to comply with the requirements of the Act. Foo reminded employers to comply with Act 446 by registering their worker’s accommodation with JTKSM. JTKSM is very concerned about the issue of overcrowding, the states of hygiene as well as workers’ health at workers’ accommodation, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Emergency Ordinance, JTKSM and the enforcement team have the right to direct any employers to shift their workers to the nearest identified hotel the workers’ accommodation is found to be overcrowded or not suitable for human inhabitation. Employers could be fined up to RM200,000 per offence or jailed up to three years or both, or compounded with RM100,000 if they fail to provide proper housing facilities for workers in accordance to Act 446. On other matters, Foo mentioned that employers must follow the requirements set by the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Bomba) when applying for approval of their on-site workers’ quarters from the Local Authorities (PBT). Among the requirements is that the employer must build fire hydrants at the site if there is water supply available or otherwise, provide sufficient units of fire extinguishers. Secondly, they must have a centralised fire alarm system at the site. However, it is not required to link the system to the nearest Bomba station. Installation of smoke detectors for cabins with more than six occupants is also required. Before the meeting ended, Foo reminded the attendees to inform their member companies to register with the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) before 30 June 2021 to entitle them to the levy exemption until 31 December 2021. Briefing to Affiliates and Construction-Related Associations—Updates by JTK on Act 446 Implementation 27 MAY 2021 The attendees at the briefing session33 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #122 Industry & Practices IP Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) 2021 5 MAY 2021 The MBAM EGM was held virtually at 11.00 a.m. with the attendance of 85 members. By way of a letter dated 1 April 2021, Messrs. Lau Choo Seng & Co. informed the association that it was unable to act as auditor for MBAM’s financial year ending 31 December 2020. Lau was abroad and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unable to return to Kuala Lumpur in the foreseeable future. Clause 11.1.1 of the MBAM constitution states that in the event that the auditor resigns or is terminated during the period of his/ its appointment, the association shall forthwith convene an EGM to elect his/its replacement. As such, the council conducted the EGM and MBAM has carried out the following motions accordingly: 1. Removal of auditor, Messrs. Lau Choo Seng & Co. 2. Appointment of new auditor, Messrs. Zamzuri & Co. to replace Messrs. Lau Choo Seng & Co. 3. Determine the new auditor’s remuneration for the year. During the EGM, President Tan Sri Sufri Hj Mhd Zin also updated members on MBAM’s efforts in the first half of 2021 as follows: 1. MBAM’s proposal to improve the Temporary Measures for Reducing the Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Act 2020 or Act 829, 2. Postponement of the new ruling on the expansion of the Human Resources Development Fund (PSMB) Act 2001 (Act 612) to include the construction industry to 31 December 2021. However, the postponement will only apply to companies that have registered with PSMB/HRDF before 30 June 2021. 3. MBAM’s appeal and lobbying efforts on the latest amended Act 446 under the Emergency Ordinance. Members requiring more information on the EGM may contact the MBAM secretariat. Opening remarks by President Tan Sri Sufri Some of the attendees during the first virtual EGM34 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #122 Industry & Practices IP 67 th Annual General Meeting 26 JUNE 2021 Some attendees of the 67 th AGM The 67 th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held virtually with a total of 124 members and 10 observers (including the auditor). The meeting was called to order by President Tan Sri Sufri Mhd Zin after confirming the quorum at 11.00 a.m. He welcomed and thanked all members for setting aside their valuable time to be present for the AGM. In his speech, Tan Sri Sufri said that it had indeed been an eventful year and a challenging one, with the COVID-19 pandemic putting a spanner in the association’s best laid plans. Tan Sri Sufri expressed MBAM’s appreciation for its members’ continuous support of the association and the construction industry. He also took the opportunity to call upon members to assist in increasing the number of members for the association. He said that the association is continuously working to project a stronger image, and it can achieve this by having a larger and stronger membership base. In conclusion, he recorded his sincere thanks to the honorary advisors, his fellow council members and affiliates who have really given him their full support thus far. He also thanked the MBAM secretariat and expressed hope that they will continue to serve MBAM members diligently and work towards improving the services of the association. Next was the confirmation of the minutes of the last 66 th AGM held in December 2020. Secretary- General Dato’ Sri Eric Kuan Khian Leng delivered the association’s annual report for the year 2020 and Treasurer General Yeoh Keong Yuan presented the treasurer general’s report and audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020. The appointment of Messrs. Zamzuri & Co. as the auditor for the financial year 2021 at a remuneration of RM5,300.00 per annum was approved. For the past year, MBAM has taken swift action during the pandemic and engaged actively with various government ministries and authorities to address pressing issues. MBAM has urged the government to improve the Temporary Measures For Reducing the Impact of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) 2020 [Act 829], especially with regards to cost-sharing and extension of time (EOT), which should be specifically expressed, resolve the slow permit approval for workers’ accommodation by local councils (PBT) and Department of Labour (JTK), review guidelines for temporary workers’ quarters, defer implementation of Act 446, provide financial aid/moratorium for SMEs and the construction industry, etc. Before the meeting concluded, Secretary-General Dato’ Sri Eric Kuan urged members to write in officially to MBAM so that the association can organise another forum to address the said issues. He assured members that MBAM has been pursuing the pressing issues that arise from time to time with the relevant authorities. The meeting adjourned at 11.40 a.m. with many members leaving a note of thanks in the chatbox platform to thank the President, Secretary- General, Treasurer-General and MBAM council for their dedication in 2020 despite the many challenges faced by the construction industry. Welcome Remarks by President Tan Sri Sufri Mhd Zin35 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #122 Industry & Practices IP Virtual Meeting— Contractor Associations and Building Material Suppliers 29 JUNE 2021 The meeting saw participation from 34 associations MBAM held a virtual meeting with contractor associations and building material suppliers to discuss issues affecting the industry during the current FMCO lockdown. The meeting was chaired by MBAM President Tan Sri Sufri Haji Mhd Zin and moderated by MBAM Vice President Eric Yong. Following the meeting, a memorandum to the Prime Minister and a press release was issued on 2 July 2021. It was put forth that vaccination priority should be given to construction industry workers and the building materials supply chain under Phase 2 of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) with a target of full vaccination or two doses by the third quarter of 2021 and the reopening of the construction industry in stages and by priority. Other key messages delivered include: i. The industry’s support of the efforts and initiatives of the Special Committee for Ensuring Access to COVID-19 Vaccine Supply (JKJAV) and the COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF). It is hoped that the vaccine supply delivery will be improved to achieve the set vaccination rates. ii. To reopen the construction industry now and not in Phase 3 of the NRP, as the use of threshold values collectively at the national level as opposed to the use of specific local situations is not very helpful for the industry’s planning. The extension of Phase 1 to July 2021 without a clear end date is also a sign that the transition to the next NRP phase remains subjective. Therefore, it was recommended that the reopening of the construction industry to be implemented in stages and in order of priority. Flexibility can be given to some sectors in the industry to resume operations when part of their workforce has been vaccinated. All companies or businesses allowed to operate must adhere to strict SOPs, even among fully vaccinated employees. The supply chain of the construction industry, which includes suppliers of building materials and professional services or consultants, will also require permission to work according to the same timeline as contractors. iii. A request for the SOPs for the construction industry and all related sub-sectors to be issued early before the implementation date of any new restrictions or regulations, and not introduced at the last minute. This is to help contractors and all parties of the construction supply chain make adequate preparations for the implementation of the SOPs. Following the government’s announcement in maintaining the implementation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the Full Movement Control Order (FMCO) through Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), most economic activities were still not allowed. The construction industry is one of the most affected sectors since the implementation of the MCO on 1 June 2021. Currently, the operating rate of construction sites is low and most of the contractors currently in operation have taken note of the shortage of existing building material stocks and will most likely run out in the near future. The reopening of the construction industry can be assessed and implemented according to different timeframes and determined by objective as well as localised factors. Issues and proposals included, among others, a study to expand the operational coverage of the Variation of Price (VOP) clause and the automatic Extension of Time (EOT) for construction projects in the private sector and amendments to the Temporary Measures for Reducing the Impact of Coronavirus Disease Act 2019 (COVID-19) 2020.36 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #122 Industry & Practices IP Official International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) Contract Users’ Conference 14 JULY 2021 Construction Claims and Alternative Dispute Resolution Conference 2021 23 JULY 2021 MBAM Deputy President cum International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations (IFAWPCA) Vice Chairman of the Conditions of Contract Committee Oliver Wee Hiang Chyn participated with a presentation on ‘Where are the Clients and Contractors in the Asia Pacific Region and What Are They Doing? Best Practices’. The conference focused on the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and their use of International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) contracts across the Asian and Australasia region. Leading representatives from the World Bank, Japan International Contractors’ Association (JICA), Asian Infrastructure Development Bank, and the Asian Development Bank offered their perspectives on the contracts they were using and how they were using them. Oliver Wee Hiang Chyn gave an overview of the use of FIDIC contracts in Asia as well as highlighted the standard form of contracts available and FIDIC contracts that are being used in Malaysia. He reported that FIDIC forms were often amended as full understanding of the contracts is lacking in the local industry. Most projects were using the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) forms as a result. Referring to disputes and the rising number of cases in the courts, he added that legal battles always led to a long and painful journey and needed to be avoided. To that end, he said that mediation needed to be a contract condition precedent to arbitration. The event also saw key clients and contractors from the region giving updates on their use of FIDIC contracts and offering their views. Held online with Federal Court judge, Yang Arif Dato’ Mary Lim as the event moderator, the conference covered a range of fundamental issues of construction claims and alternative dispute resolution. MBAM Deputy President cum Chairman of Contracts and Practices Committee Oliver Wee was a panellist for the first session on ‘Extension of Time and Loss of Expenses Claims Arising from the COVID-19 Pandemic’. Other panellists in the group included Dr Christopher To (Hong Kong), Kevin Prakash (Malaysia), Rajendra Navaratnam (Malaysia) and Dato’ Ir Soam Heng Choon (Malaysia). Oliver shared from the position of contractors, especially with regards to the COVID-19 challenges. He said that the COVID-19 pandemic was beyond the contemplation of the contracting parties and most construction projects have either come to a complete halt, or experienced substantial delay to their completion. This has, in turn, resulted in additional costs to be incurred in completing the projects, something which was neither expected nor budgeted for during the tender stage. Oliver stated that contractors have been facing many challenges, including disruptions of supply chain, a significant decrease of productivity at construction sites since 18 March 2020 and the loss arising from it, which is estimated to be around 40%. There are also issues on which party to bear the cost of COVID-19 tests, quarantine costs, stop work orders, disinfections and vaccine costs. Other problems contractors faced included a lack of funding and labour shortage at job sites (20-25% shortage) due to the SOP, which limits the number of workers allowed at job sites. In addition, nominated sub-contractors (NSC) were not allowed to work, as they usually have jobs at multiple job sites. The rationale for this is to prevent the virus from spreading. At present, contractors are not looking at legal remedies. Contractors will not rush to litigation and will try to resolve differences with clients amicably with regards to claims on costs. An important point to note is that many contractors are facing poor cash flow for more than one year and will save whatever cash they have instead of taking the legal path. It is best to talk to clients and not start a painful and costly legal journey. On the matter of extension of time (EOT), many contractors have sent in applications for EOT. Although contractors were given EOT with the proper application process, there were also ‘do first, talk later’ situations. In general, no full periods of applied EOT have been granted. The conference revealed that the construction industry is full of conflicts and disputes. This is not surprising given the vast number of trades involved in the construction chain (and many more connected with them) and the complexity, constraints and limitations involved in or affecting the construction works. More and more of these conflicts and claims ended up in courts, or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes and as a result, more and more money were being spent on either litigation or ADR processes. Other MBAM representatives who attended the conference were Deputy President cum Chairman of Contracts and Practices Committee Oliver Wee, Secretary-General Dato’ Sri Eric Kuan Khian Leng, Deputy-Secretary General 1 cum Deputy Chairman of MBAM Contracts and Practices Committee Ir Anthony Teoh Teik Thiam and MBAM secretariat staff. MBAM Deputy President Oliver Wee at the conference Clockwise from top-left: Kevin Prakash, Justice Mary Lim, Dato’ Ir Soam, Oliver Wee, Rajendra Navaratnam and Dr Christopher To37 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #122 Industry & Practices IP Launching Ceremony—Forum on National Policy on Good Regulatory Practice (NPGRP) 30 JULY 2021 The event was held virtually and launching the event was Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia, Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Bin Ali. The theme of the event, ‘Boosting Productivity Through Quality Regulation’ resonates the essence of NPGRP, which aims to enhance Malaysia’s business environment and the well-being of the rakyat in general by raising national productivity growth and competitive advantage. NPGRP is an improvement of the National Policy on Development and Implementation of Regulations (NPDIR) launched in 2013. Regulations impact almost every aspect of lives and the, implementation of GRP is expected to reduce the unnecessary regulatory burdens on businesses and the public. The forum also sought to inculcate the importance of GRP among policymakers particularly in ensuring high quality policies and regulations. Present was MBAM Secretary-General Dato’ Sri Eric Kuan Khian Leng and MBAM General Manager Lenny Lim. InBrief 1 APRIL 2021 Ipsos Final Presentation of Key Findings from the Industrial Sectoral Situational Analysis (Core Group) was attended virtually by Deputy Secretary-General 2 Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz. 2 APRIL 2021 Virtual Engagement with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) on BNM Annual Report 2020, Economic & Monetary Review 2020 and financial stability review for second half of 2020 was attended by MBAM Secretary General Dato’ Sri Eric Kuan Khian Leng. 13 APRIL 2021 Online Presentation of the Draft Final Report on Industrial Sectoral Situational Analysis was attended by Deputy Secretary-General 2 Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, Education Committee members Chong Tshun Ming and Steven Shee as well as Secretariat Chai Min Fung, Mohd Farhan and Jocelyn Ng. 23 APRIL 2021 ‘Overview of Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009 a.k.a. is there any reason to start worrying?’ Webinar was attended by General Manager Lenny Lim. 5 MAY 2021 CIDB Virtual Meeting on Labour Wages Survey with General Manager, Building Cost Information Services Malaysia (BCISM), Sr Nazir Muhamad Nor was attended by MBAM HRD Committee Member Mazlan Haron, Executive Director Loh Mei Ling as well as Secretariat Michael Thong, Chai Min Fung and Sung Suet Yee. NCOSH National Council Meeting for Occupational Safety No.1 /2021 and MNKKP Appreciation & Appointment Ceremony 2021 was attended by council member and Chairman of Safety & Health Committee Michael Yap at Hotel Le Meridien, Putrajaya. 7 MAY 2021 PEMUDAH TWGDCP Meeting on Fire Inspection/Review Requirements for Temporary Labour Quarters (TLQ) at Construction Sites was attended by Immediate Past President Foo Chek Lee and Senior Manager Chai Min Fung. 21 MAY 2021 Special Virtual Session between the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Building Industry was attended by Deputy Secretary-General 1 Ir Anthony Teoh. Next >