< PreviousIndustry & Practices IP MBAM Secretary-General, Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, attended the ‘2 Years with the Madani Government’ program and the 2024 National Civil Service Reform Convention at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Held from 22 to 24 November 2024, the event marked the second anniversary of the Madani government and was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Madani government focuses on enhancing public service efficiency and governance to benefit citizens directly. Organised by the Prime Minister’s Office in collaboration with the Malaysia Productivity Corporation, the program featured job fairs offering over 3,000 vacancies, pension and retirement consultations, fine reductions, and public service advisory sessions. Visitors engaged in discussions with government and private sector representatives, providing feedback to refine policy implementation and foster collaboration on national reforms. The event’s theme, ‘Madani di Hati, Rakyat Disantuni,’ underscored the administration’s commitment to addressing citizens’ needs while showcasing reforms aimed at long-term national development. 22–24 NOVEMBER 2024 ‘2 Years with the Madani Government’ Program & 2024 National Civil Service Reform Convention 27 NOVEMBER 2024 International Contract Management Forum 2024 The International Contract Management Forum 2024 was held in Pasig City, Philippines, bringing together industry leaders and experts to discuss the latest strategies and best practices in construction contract management. Organised by the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations (IFAWPCA) Inc., the event was hosted by the Philippine Constructors Association in collaboration with the Philippine Institute of Construction Arbitrators and Mediators (PICAM), the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP), and the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB). MBAM was represented by MBAM President Oliver HC Wee, Secretary-General Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, and Past Deputy President Aziz Bahaman. Oliver HC Wee participated in a panel discussion on dispute avoidance, where he highlighted collaborative contracting as outlined in CIDB’s 2022 standard form of contract. He discussed key provisions such as the early warning system and Dispute Resolution Board (DRB), noting that industries across the region face similar issues, including payment disputes and prolonged arbitration and adjudication processes that negatively impact project cash flow. The session concluded on a positive note, with participants agreeing to continue discussions and updates in the near future. 38 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Industry & Practices IP 27 NOVEMBER 2024 61 st Building Industry Presidents’ Council (BIPC) Meeting The 61 st BIPC Meeting was held at Bangunan Ingenieur, Petaling Jaya. Opening remarks were delivered by the Chairman of BIPC and President of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), Ir Prof Dr Jeffrey 11 NOVEMBER 2024 Opening Ceremony of the Malaysia Construction Academy (ABM) Tower Crane Training Site in the Central Region CIDB, through its subsidiary the Malaysia Construction Academy (ABM) and in collaboration with Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB), launched the tower crane training site for ABM’s central region. The opening ceremony was officiated by Minister of Works, YB Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Previously, tower crane operator training was primarily conducted using simulators. With this new training site, trainees can gain hands-on experience operating real tower cranes. This initiative aims to Chiang Choong Luin. Other BIPC members in attendance included representatives from ACEM, MBAM, MIP, PAM, REHDA, and RISM. MBAM Deputy Secretary-General 1, Tan Zi Ni, and Executive Director, Loh Mei Ling, address the shortage of trained tower crane operators in the industry while creating job opportunities and offering a stable and lucrative career path. MRCB has been providing ABM with the tower crane training site since August 2024. The collaboration between ABM and MRCB stems from a memorandum of understanding signed between MRCB and CIDB over a year ago. Other private sector players are also encouraged to partner with CIDB to support TVET development in the construction sector. attended the meeting. The discussions covered several key issues, including a request to Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia to review the e-invoicing threshold from RM150,000 to RM500,000 and a proposed objection letter to the Ministry of Works regarding the establishment of Lembaga Pengurusan Projek Malaysia. Under human resources, the Government announced on 4 November 2024 that applications for foreign worker quotas would be considered on a case-by-case basis for government projects. All applications must be submitted to the One Stop Centre (OSC), Pengurusan Pekerja Asing, Bahagian Hal Ehwal Imigresen, Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN). The meeting concluded with the handover of the BIPC chairmanship from Ir Prof Dr Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin, President of IEM, to Datin TPr Hjh Noraida Saludin, President of the Malaysian Institute of Planners. Ir Prof Dr Jeffrey Chiang President of IEM handover the BIPC chairmanship to Datin TPr Hjh Noraida Saludin President of MIP PIKOM 38 th AGM 6 DECEMBER 2024 PIKOM Chairman Alex Liew at the 38 th Annual General Meeting of PIKOM at PIKOM Hall, Damansara Perdana 39 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Industry & Practices IP The workshop was held at MBAM Training Centre, Kuala Lumpur, with 60 participants in attendance. It focused on the newly introduced Occupational Safety and Health (Construction Work) (Design and Management) Regulations 2024 (CDM) and the established Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health in Construction Industry (Management) 2017 (OSHCIM). The objective was to enhance understanding of these 28 NOVEMBER 2024 Workshop on Occupational Safety & Health (Construction Work) (Design & Management) Regulations 2024 (CDM) and Guidelines on Occupational Safety & Health in Construction Industry (Management) 2017 (OSHCIM) regulations and guidelines among construction professionals, ensuring safety management is integrated into project design and planning phases. In his welcome remarks, MBAM Council Member Howard Liew Jor Ho emphasised the importance of collaboration among key duty holders to eliminate or minimise occupational safety and health risks in construction. He highlighted the need for joint efforts in identifying and addressing foreseeable design risks to create a safer and more sustainable construction sector. The workshop provided an opportunity to explore the amended regulations and guidelines, share knowledge, and discuss strategies to enhance safety and health practices. The presence of senior management representatives reinforced their commitment to improving OSH standards in their projects. Dr Mohd Fairuz delivered an Group photo of the participants with the speakers 40 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Industry & Practices IP insightful session on CDM 2024, revisiting the OSHCIM Guidelines 2017 and highlighting their alignment in ensuring construction safety. He stressed that incorporating safety measures early in the design phase significantly minimises risks during project execution. He also discussed the importance of clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of clients, designers, and contractors to ensure accountability and foster better collaboration in managing safety risks. Improved documentation and transparent reporting practices were emphasised as essential for compliance with CDM 2024. He also highlighted the need to align the OSHCIM Guidelines 2017 with CDM 2024 for a holistic and integrated approach, ensuring effective safety management in ongoing and future projects. The seminar featured several key sessions, beginning with an introduction to CDM Regulations 2024, which provided an overview of the legal framework and key regulatory changes while focusing on proactive safety measures. This was followed by a session on integrating OSHCIM guidelines into project planning, where speakers shared practical strategies and real- world case studies demonstrating the successful application of OSHCIM principles. Another session addressed stakeholder engagement and accountability, with discussions on the roles and responsibilities of clients and designers in identifying and mitigating construction safety risks. The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants raised questions about regulatory compliance challenges and the practical implementation of CDM 2024 and OSHCIM 2017. The workshop highlighted the shift towards proactive safety management under CDM 2024, which focuses on risk mitigation at the design phase to minimise unforeseen hazards during construction. The alignment of CDM 2024 with OSHCIM 2017 promotes a systematic framework for reducing construction-related risks. Collaboration among stakeholders, including clients, designers, contractors, and regulatory authorities, was emphasised as essential in reinforcing accountability and fostering a strong safety culture in the industry. Participants were encouraged to adopt structured approaches to identifying and controlling risks, with an emphasis on the early involvement of designers and clients in safety planning to establish a solid foundation for safe construction practices. The workshop provided valuable insights into improving safety standards in construction projects. Dr Mohd Fairuz’s expertise and practical examples clarified the application of the new regulations and guidelines, equipping attendees with actionable knowledge to enhance safety practices in their organisations. Industry professionals, including project managers, designers, contractors, and safety officers, expressed keen interest in adopting these measures. The session reaffirmed DOSH’s commitment to fostering a safe and healthy construction industry in Malaysia. 41 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz presenting a souvenir to Yong Siew Woon, Senior Vice President IFCA MSC Berhad Industry & Practices IP 5 DECEMBER 2024 Seminar on Operational Efficiency: Strategies to Protect Contractor Margins The Seminar ‘Operational Efficiency: Strategies to Protect Contractor Margins’ was successfully held at Sheraton Hotel Petaling Jaya, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency within the construction industry through innovative technology, specifically IFCA’s ContractX platform. Attended by key industry leaders and stakeholders, the event highlighted strategies to streamline workflows, maintain project budgets, and maximise margins. In his speech, MBAM Secretary- General, Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, emphasised the importance of leveraging advanced tools like IFCA’s ContractX to address complex industry challenges. He praised IFCA’s role in driving innovation through ERP solutions tailored for contractors. The seminar covered four key topics essential for improving operational efficiency. Challenges in e-invoicing compliance were addressed, focusing on legal and financial requirements and the need for seamless integration with LHDN servers. The introduction of IFCA ContractX showcased its role as a mobile, cloud-based construction management system that centralises operations, enhances collaboration, and ensures projects stay on schedule and within budget. A session on boosting profitability with ContractX highlighted how real-time data and automated financial analysis empower decision-makers to monitor cash flow, assess project health, and make informed decisions. The final panel discussion explored digital strategies for sustainable business growth, focusing on automation and e-invoicing to streamline business processes and protect contractor margins. The event underscored IFCA’s leadership in providing practical, industry-specific ERP solutions. MBAM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting technological advancements for greater operational efficiency in construction. Group photo together with the participants 42 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Industry & Practices IP The Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM), in collaboration with Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), launched the Guidelines for Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) recently at M Resort Hotel. The ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Human Resources, YB Steven Sim, and attended by MBAM Human Resources Development (HRD) Committee Member, Khairatul Akhmam, and Secretariat, Shirley Foo. The guideline represents the government’s ongoing efforts to empower workers, assist employers in optimising human resources, and reduce operational costs. It aligns with the 2022 amendments to the Employment Act 1955, under which employees have the right to request flexible work arrangements as stated in Sections 60P and 60Q. The guideline outlines key elements for both employees and employers, including the definition and forms of FWA, application procedures, and their respective roles and responsibilities. The workshop continued in the afternoon following the launch. Malaysia’s commitment to supporting work- life sustainability is reflected in the 2025 Budget, which offers incentives to employers implementing FWA. Employers are eligible for a 50% tax deduction for adopting FWA, with an additional 50% tax deduction available for those providing paid care leave of up to 12 months for employees caring for sick or disabled children or family members. To further encourage women to return to the workforce, the government offers an additional 50% tax relief to companies hiring women through the Career Comeback Programme (CCP). During the workshop, participants received a detailed briefing on industries and roles suitable for FWA, the importance of work-life sustainability, and practical strategies for implementing and adapting FWA in their companies. Companies are encouraged to adopt FWA as it enhances work-life balance, boosts productivity, and improves employee motivation and satisfaction. Additionally, FWA helps reduce operational costs, saves commuting time and expenses for employees, and promotes workforce retention, particularly for women. 5 DECEMBER 2024 Launching Ceremony—Guidelines for Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) & Work-Life Sustainability Workshop YB Steven Sim 43 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Industry & Practices IP 19 DECEMBER 2024 Workshop on CDM Regulations 2024 & OSHCIM Guidelines 2017 The workshop introduced the Occupational Safety and Health (Construction Work) (Design and Management) Regulations 2024 (CDM) and the Occupational Safety and Health in Construction Industry Management (OSHCIM) Guidelines 2017, focusing on integrating safety management into project design and planning. Held at the MBAM Training Centre, it was attended by 34 industry professionals. MBAM Health & Safety Committee Chairman, Alec Chong Sun Park, emphasised the need for collaboration among key stakeholders to eliminate or minimise safety risks. Dr Mohd Fairuz presented an overview of the CDM 2024 regulations, highlighting their alignment with OSHCIM 2017 and stressing the importance of early risk assessment in project design, clear role definitions for clients, designers, and contractors, and improved documentation and reporting. Discussions covered legal frameworks, strategies for embedding safety into project planning, and stakeholder accountability. Real- world case studies demonstrated the successful implementation of OSHCIM principles. An interactive Q&A session addressed regulatory compliance challenges and practical implementation strategies. Key takeaways included the shift towards proactive safety management, the alignment of CDM 2024 with OSHCIM 2017 to create a systematic risk-reduction framework, and the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure accountability. Participants were encouraged to adopt structured risk control measures and involve designers and clients early in safety planning. The workshop reinforced the industry’s commitment to fostering a strong safety culture and provided attendees with practical insights into implementing the new regulations effectively. Dr Mohd Fairuz Participants at the workshop 44 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Industry & Practices IP Oliver HC Wee presenting MBAM 70th Anniversary Coffee Table Book to the TV3 reporter, Farah Nabilah Wazer MBAM President Oliver HC Wee was interviewed by TV3 at the MBAM Secretariat to discuss the impact of Budget 2025 on the construction industry, recent infrastructure developments, and workforce upskilling initiatives. Oliver HC Wee highlighted that as of November 2024, a total of RM185 billion worth of projects had been awarded, with RM134 billion allocated to private projects and RM51 billion to public projects. He noted that while public projects such as the Pan Borneo and Interlink Road developments remain ongoing, the private sector is driving growth, particularly in the data centre sector. However, he pointed out that participation in these high-value projects is largely limited to major contractors, urging mid-tier contractors to enhance their compliance and capabilities to remain competitive. On the public infrastructure front, Oliver outlined key developments in rural road upgrades, healthcare facility expansions—including the upgrading of Hospital Kuala Lumpur—and the construction and refurbishment of educational institutions. These projects aim to promote balanced urban-rural growth and improve access to essential services. Budget 2025 also prioritises the enhancement of public amenities and sports facilities under the government’s ‘projects for the rakyat’ initiative. The budget allocates over RM230 million for sports development, including training programmes, podium initiatives, and international event preparation, such as the 2025 Deaflympics. Additionally, RM50 million has been set aside for the maintenance of non- Islamic places of worship, while RM150 million will support volunteerism and community programmes. These efforts are intended to strengthen community engagement and improve overall quality of life. Addressing workforce development, Wee welcomed the government’s increased allocation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which will rise to RM7.8 billion in 2025 from RM6.8 billion in 2024. He emphasised the role of the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) and its Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM) in providing tradesmen with specialised training. MBAM also plays a key role in workforce upskilling by offering training programmes in safety, contract administration, and digitalisation, ensuring that industry players meet evolving skill requirements. The interview reinforced MBAM’s commitment to advocating for policies that enhance industry competitiveness while ensuring sustainable growth in Malaysia’s construction sector. 18 DECEMBER 2024 Media Interview— Insights on Budget 2025 and Construction Industry Trends 45 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134 The International Labour Organisation (ILO) visited MBAM to have discussions focused on skills development and industry collaboration. MBAM was represented by Secretary- General and Chairman of the Education & Special Institutions Committee, Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, alongside other committee members. ILO representatives included Chief of the Skills and Employability Branch at ILO Geneva, Srinivas B. Reddy, and specialists from the organisation’s regional offices. ILO highlighted the importance of aligning workforce skills with market demands and encouraged greater private sector involvement in identifying future skill needs and advocating for policy changes. The organisation also acknowledged MBAM’s partnership in the Skills for Prosperity Programme (SfP) Malaysia, particularly the Pilot Apprenticeship Programme for Site Safety Supervisors and Lifting Supervisors. MBAM noted that participants of past ILO initiatives remain employed in the construction sector. Discussions covered Malaysia’s skilled workforce challenges, including the lower cost and greater adaptability of foreign workers compared to locals. The meeting also addressed the need for early identification of students’ strengths to guide them towards Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a viable career path. Social perceptions of TVET were identified as a barrier to its wider adoption. The meeting provided valuable insights into TVET strategies across different countries. MBAM expressed its willingness to collaborate with ILO on future initiatives. Visits & Dialogues VD ILO Visit 2 OCTOBER 2024 ILO representatives MBAM’s Safety & Health Committee Chairman, Alec Chong, and Deputy Chairman, Howard Liew, along with KLIA College Executive Director, Major (Rtd) Kamarulzaman Musa, committee members, and the MBAM Secretariat, met with officers from DOSH’s Construction Safety Division at DOSH Putrajaya. The meeting, led by Ir Ts Dr Mohd Fairus Ab Rahman, focused on Meeting with DOSH—Upgraded MBAM SSS Training Module 10 OCTOBER 2024 presenting the upgraded MBAM SSS training module. The revised training now comprises six modules, up from the previous four, with a minimum entry requirement of a diploma in any discipline. This aligns with the amended OSH Act 2022, which took effect on 1 June 2024, defining the roles and responsibilities of site safety supervisors. The MBAM M&E Committee organised a study visit to Merdeka 118 Tower, which was hosted by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd. A total of 38 participants attended. PNB Merdeka Ventures CEO, YM Tengku Dato’ Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud, gave a briefing on the tower’s history, construction progress, development, and innovative design. Participants were then taken to Level 118, where they enjoyed panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur through the 360° glass windows. Standing at 678.9 metres, Merdeka 118 is not only Malaysia’s tallest building but also the second tallest structure in the world. The visit concluded with a lunch reception. MBAM Study Visit to Merdeka 118 Tower 3 OCTOBER 2024 PNB Merdeka Ventures CEO with Kenneth Liew 46 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Visits & Dialogues VD Construction Digital Maturity Index (CDMI) Task Force Meeting 1/2024 11 OCTOBER 2024 CDMI Task Force Committee MBAM and CIDB are developing the Construction Digital Maturity Index (CDMI) to assess contractors’ digital readiness and adoption. The index aims to guide organisations towards digital excellence, enhancing industry standards through innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. It will also help Malaysian contractors leverage their digital capabilities internationally. CDMI will serve as an assessment tool to measure digital adoption, capabilities, and integration within the construction industry. Aligned with CIDB’s Construction 4.0 Strategic Plan (2021-2025), the initiative supports the adoption of 12 emerging technologies to accelerate digital transformation among contractors. The first CDMI task force meeting was held on 11 October 2024 at CIDB 520, The Met Tower. Chaired by CIDB Technology Development Division Senior Manager, Ts Nor Azian Hashim, the meeting was attended by MBAM representatives, including ICT-Automation-Robotic Committee Chairman Chan Tze Ming, committee member Prabodh K Sheth, Daniel Latif, and Senior Manager Muhammad Fadzley bin Salim. Kastam Malaysia held an online session on 22 October 2024 to assess the potential impact of the Sales Tax imposition on the construction industry. MBAM was represented by Council Member James Ha, C&P Committee Member Lee Chee Yian, Alternate Council Member Max Chew, Executive Director Loh Mei Ling, and General Manager Lenny Lim. Kastam Malaysia, represented by Lau Thye Mun from the National Tax Division, its construction task force team, and Ministry of Finance representatives, sought to understand the industry’s structure, key players, and taxation points. The discussion focused on identifying taxable and exempted areas, determining tax collection points, and understanding when tax becomes due. Kastam Malaysia also requested MBAM to provide a process flow outlining how taxation is integrated at different tiers of the construction process. Invitation to Engagement Session on Construction Industry Activities Study 22 OCTOBER 2024 47Next >