< PreviousVisits & Dialogues VD Meeting with DOSH Director-General 15 OCTOBER 2024 MBAM President Oliver HC Wee, Safety & Health Committee Chairman Alec Chong, and Executive Director Loh Mei Ling met with DOSH Director- General Tuan Ir Haji Mohd Hatta bin Zakaria at DOSH Putrajaya. Also present were DOSH Deputy Director-General Tuan Bahrudin bin Mamat, Special Officer Mohd Hafizullah bin Harun, and Enforcement Division Section Head Norliza Abu Othman. DOSH announced plans to consolidate the two existing Boards of Examination—NIOSH and MBAM—under a single board. Training institutes providing competency courses, such as Site Safety Supervisor (SSS) training, must register with the Skills Development Department under the Ministry of Human Resources to issue Malaysia Skills Certificates (SKM). Until the transition is finalised, both boards will continue operating as usual. DOSH also highlighted that under the OSH Master Plan, research by IPSOS recognised MBAM as a key organisation in leading OSH initiatives for the construction sector. MBAM thanked DOSH for recent approvals on SSS training provider renewal and the Board of Examination for SSS. DOSH informed MBAM about the new Working at Heights regulation, available on its website, and recent roadshows covering six regions with 50 engagement sessions. The department also thanked MBAM for its collaboration on the DOSH Innovation & Technology Expo IR4.0, held at MBAM OneBuild from 28 to 30 August 2024. MBAM representatives met with HRD Corp’s Chief Customer Officer Wan Yon Shahima Wan Othman and Customer Service Department representatives to discuss collaboration on training initiatives for the construction sector. HRD Corp, a government agency under the Ministry of Human Resources, supports workforce development through training programmes, certifications, and financial incentives. The agency proposed a two-day workshop for construction employers to familiarise them with HRD Corp’s schemes and services. The workshop will cover employer registration, e-TRiS guidelines, claim and grant applications, and related processes. Two packages are available: one fully organised by HRD Corp and another managed by a training provider. Sessions will be conducted in English and Malay, with budget details to be finalised in the next discussion. Discussion Between HRD Corp and MBAM 18 OCTOBER 2024 Group photo with HRD Corp Chief Customer Officer, Wan Yon Shahima Wan Othman 48Visits & Dialogues VD The MBAM Machinery Resources Committee visited Zoomlion Malaysia to learn about its green technology and AI initiatives. The delegation included Chairman CK Teoh, Committee Members Ong Ka Thiam, Tan Zini, Dawson Lee, and Bill Tok, along with MBAM Assistant Manager Shirley Foo and Executive Officer Nur Firzanah. Zoomlion shared insights into China’s green technology efforts, including the use of electric vehicles for trucks and cranes, as well as automation systems that enable remote machine operation. The visit provided valuable knowledge that could benefit MBAM members and the Malaysian construction industry. Courtesy Visit to Zoomlion Malaysia 28 OCTOBER 2024 Construction Competency Technical Committee (JTKP) Meeting 2/2024—Supervision & Project Management 12—13 NOVEMBER 2024 A two-day technical committee meeting was held on 12 and 13 November 2024 at Dahlia Meeting Room, CIDB 520, The MET Corporate Tower, Kuala Lumpur. The committee reviewed and verified assessment questions for the Construction Traffic Management Officer (CTMO) Level 4, Certified Construction Manager (CCM) Level 5, and Certified Construction Project Manager (CCPM) Level 6. All recommendations and comments were compiled and submitted to the Construction Skills Quality Framework (CSQF) secretariat for further action. MBAM was represented by Technical & IBS Committee Member Dato’ Ir Laxana Naidu. The next meeting is scheduled for 5–6 December 2024. Group photo after the meeting Meeting with Merchantrade 4 NOVEMBER 2024 MBAM met with Merchantrade recently to explore potential collaboration. MBAM was represented by Executive Director, Loh Mei Ling, and Sales Manager, Calvin Cheng 49 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Visits & Dialogues VD Pre-Meeting with REHDA— Guidelines for Homeowners 4 NOVEMBER 2024 REHDA organised a pre-meeting to discuss the issue of 'Guidelines for Homeowners' before the actual meeting with CIDB on the same topic. Held online, the session was attended by MBAM C&P Deputy Chairman, James Ha; C&P Committee Members, Max Chew, Lee Chee Yian, and Lee Yih; as well as General Manager, Lenny Lim. It was noted that Sime Darby, in accordance with Schedule 4, Clause 15, allows the incorporation of a company’s quality manual as part of the sales and purchase agreement (SPA), to be signed between developers and buyers. Sime Properties was the first to implement this approach, providing purchasers with a non- printable soft copy of the document as an alternative to third-party assessors. Additionally, it was suggested that CIDB should formally withdraw its homeowners’ guide. A key issue raised was what constitutes a defect, and the need to define defects through proper industry benchmarks, establishing minimum standards and acceptable tolerances for different trades. IEM President, Ir Prof Dr Jeffrey Chiang Choong, led a visit to MBAM alongside IEM Deputy President, Ir Yau Chu Fong, and Honorary Treasurer, Ir Dr Siow Chun Lim. The meeting at the MBAM Secretariat was attended by MBAM President, Oliver HC Wee, Executive Director, Loh Mei Ling, and General Manager, Lenny Lim. Discussions covered industry challenges and potential collaboration. Courtesy Visit by IEM 12 NOVEMBER 2024 Oliver HC Wee presenting a momento to Ir Prof Dr Jeffrey Chiang Choong Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting on SME Scaling 2/2024 20 NOVEMBER 2024 The Ministry of Economy held the above meeting at Menara Usahawan, Putrajaya, which was attended by MBAM General Manager, Lenny Lim. Chaired by Datuk Dr Hanisah Husin, Chairperson for TWG Scaling of SMEs, the meeting focused on strategies to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the 13 th Malaysia Plan (13MP). CIDB Meeting— Guidelines for Homeowners 15 NOVEMBER 2024 CIDB organised a meeting on 15 November 2024 at The MET to discuss the retraction of its ‘Quality Guidebook for Homeowners’ to prevent misunderstandings. MBAM was represented by C&P Committee Member, Lee Yih, and General Manager, Lenny Lim. Originally published in 2014, the guidebook aimed to educate homeowners on workmanship quality and promote the Quality Assessment System for Building Construction Work (QLASSIC) under CIS 7. However, CIDB noted that over time, the guidebook had been misinterpreted as a defect specification, causing confusion. 50 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Visits & Dialogues VD Briefing Session on Bureaucratic Reform Initiatives & Ease of Doing Business at the Ministry of Works and Its Agencies by Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) 2024 20 NOVEMBER 2024 declined, placing Malaysia fourth in ASEAN behind Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. During the Chief Secretary’s Leadership Aspiration Ceremony on 10 September 2024, Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Shamsul Azri bin Abu Bakar, urged ministries and agencies to accelerate regulatory reforms to boost productivity and competitiveness. MPC was tasked with leading these efforts, with monthly progress reports to be submitted. Puan Wan Fazlin highlighted a successful initiative by CIDB under MOW, which simplified the testing process for imported building materials lacking a certificate of conformity. This reform reduced compliance costs, including detention charges at ports. Future reforms will focus on a risk-based approach, automation, and AI to enhance regulatory processes and service delivery. Industry feedback will continue to be gathered through engagement sessions. The Policy and International Division of the Ministry of Works (MOW) organised the above session, which was officiated by MOW Secretary General, Dato’ Seri Azman Ibrahim, who emphasised the need to eliminate bureaucratic red tape and improve public service efficiency. Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) Director, Puan Wan Fazlin Nadia Wan Osman, delivered a briefing on bureaucratic reform (RKB) and ease of doing business. MPC, established in 1966 under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Act 408, aims to accelerate productivity growth. Its goal is to achieve an annual productivity increase of 3.7% between 2021 and 2025 and place Malaysia among the 12 most competitive countries by 2033. In 2024, Malaysia dropped to 34 th place in the World Competitiveness Ranking by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), down from 27 th in the previous year. Government efficiency rankings also 51 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134National Standards Committee on Buildings, Construction and Civil Engineering (NSC 04) Meeting 2/2024 12 NOVEMBER 2024 Group photo with NSC 04 Committee members and Secretariat comprising — NSC 04 / TC 25 (Cement) — NSC 04 / TC 19 (Composite Building Materials) — NSC 04 / TC 25 / WG 1 (Composite Building Materials) NSC 04 reviewed and commented on the proposed changes, which will be forwarded to the respective technical committees for further deliberation. The current NSC 04 term ends on 31 December 2024, with a new term running from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027. The committee proposed updates to its name, scope, and membership, and the Department of Standards Malaysia will invite new members for the 2025–2027 term. MBAM will continue as a permanent NSC 04 member. The meeting was attended by MBAM Council Member cum Chairman of Technical and IBS Committee, Nalla Sundran, and Senior Manager, Muhammad Fadzley. National Standards Committee on Buildings, Construction and Civil Engineering (NSC 04) Meeting 2/2024 was held on 12 November 2024 at Ixora Hall, CIDB 520, The MET Corporate Towers, Kuala Lumpur. The meeting was chaired by CIDB Deputy Chief Executive 2, Zainora Zainal. NSC 04 oversees standardisation in construction, construction materials, building design codes, and civil engineering. Malaysia, through Standards Malaysia, has been a member of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) since 1969. Participation in international and regional standardisation activities ensures that national interests are considered in the development of global standards. NSC 04 is involved in 12 international committees as a participating member and has contributed to 133 document reviews and voting processes for ISO standards. In March 2024, NSC 04 held a workshop on its future direction, resulting in the consolidation of 28 technical committees into 12. Three technical committees have since met and proposed new names, scopes, and structures: 1. NSC 04 / TC 11 - Building Design and Construction, comprising — NSC 04 / TC 11 (Building Design and Construction) — NSC 04 / TC 18 (Organisation of Information About Construction Works) — NSC 04 / TC 27 (Construction Practices) 2. NSC 04 / TC 20 - Water Management, comprising — NSC 04 / TC 20 (Services Activities Relating to Drinking Water Supply and Sewerage) — NSC 04 / TC 26 (Sewerage) 3. NSC 04 / TC 25 - Cement, Visits & Dialogues VD 52 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Legal Compliance and Labour Policy with the Industry Technical Committee Meeting 19 NOVEMBER 2024 The Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) organised the meeting, which was chaired by its Director General, YBrs Tuan Haji Kamal bin Pardi. MBAM was represented by Secretary-General cum Chairman of the Human Resources Development (HRD) Committee, Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, and HRD Committee Member, Khairatul Akhmam. The main agenda was the dissolution of six Technical Committees (TCs) for Legal Compliance and Labour Policy. These committees were established in 2020 following the issuance of Withhold Release Orders (WRO) by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) against several Malaysian companies. The dissolved TCs included those for the rubber- based, electrical and electronics, service, construction, furniture, and plantation sectors. The meeting agreed to the dissolution. A delegation from the Malaysia Sub-Contractor Association (MSCA), led by its President, Chandra Ramprakash, visited MBAM to meet with MBAM President Oliver HC Wee. Also in attendance were MBAM Chairman of the Affiliates Committee cum Deputy Secretary-General 2, Fong Tet Yoong, alongside Executive Director, Loh Mei Ling, and General Manager, Lenny Lim. The visit, which included nine representatives from MSCA, provided an opportunity for both organisations to strengthen ties and explore potential collaborations. MSCA Visit 11 NOVEMBER 2024 Meeting with CIDB on Memorandum of Cooperation between CIDB Malaysia and MBAM 10 DECEMBER 2024 MBAM President Oliver HC Wee, Honorary Advisor Datuk Matthew Tee, and Executive Director Loh Mei Ling met with CIDB Malaysia at The MET Corporate Towers, Kuala Lumpur. The meeting, chaired by CIDB Policies and Corporate Sector Senior General Manager, Ts Naidatul Mazidah binti Latif, was also attended by several CIDB representatives, including Business Division General Manager Che Saliza binti Che Soh, Contractor Development Division Senior Manager Faradhila bt Zakbah, Technology Development Division General Manager Mohammad Faizal bin Abdul Hamid, and Manager Mohd Hafiz bin Zahar. To initiate the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between CIDB and MBAM, CIDB proposed four key projects: the Construction Digital Maturity Index (under Faizal and Hafiz), the National Construction Cost Centre (N3C) (under Che Saliza), the Market Intelligence Report (under Che Saliza), and the Anti-Bribery Management System (ISO 37001) (under Faradhila). MBAM was tasked with engaging the officers managing these initiatives to develop proposals, expected outcomes, terms of reference, and cost estimates for CIDB’s approval. It was suggested that MBAM submit these documents in December 2024 to facilitate the signing of the MoC in January 2025. Visits & Dialogues VD 53 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Visits & Dialogues VD Following the launch of the National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF) by the Ministry of Finance on 24 September 2024, MBAM’s Environment, Green Technology and Sustainability Committee organised an engagement session with Bursa Malaysia. The session aimed to address concerns regarding compliance challenges and gather industry feedback. Under the NSRF, sustainability reporting will be phased in as follows: — 2025 – Large-listed issuers on the Main Market (market capitalisation of RM2 billion and above). — 2026 – All other Main Market listed issuers. — 2027 – ACE Market issuers and large non-listed companies (NLCos) with annual revenue of RM2 billion and above. Key Feedback and Recommendations from MBAM: 1. Limited vs. Reasonable Assurance – While Limited Assurance should be mandatory, Reasonable Assurance should remain optional to reduce compliance burdens. 2. Guideline Clarity – Clearer directives and industry-specific examples are needed to guide ISSB S1/S2 disclosures. 3. Phased Adoption – Companies should be allowed to disclose S2 first, followed by S1, for a smoother transition. 4. Industry-Specific Guidance – Sector-focused guidelines should be provided to address unique challenges in compliance. 5. Capacity Building Support – Workshops and resources should be available to help companies adapt to the new reporting requirements. 6. Subsidiary Exemptions – Large NLCos that are subsidiaries of listed companies should be exempted if their parent company already reports under the NSRF. 7. Effective Date Adjustment – The requirement for S2 disclosures from FYE 31 December 2025 is too soon; a deferral to FYE on or after 31 December 2026 is proposed. 8. Reporting Scope – Companies should have the flexibility to exclude non- principal entities for practicality. 9. Scope 3 Emissions – Instead of requiring disclosures for all 15 categories, reporting should be based on materiality. 10. External Assurance Timeline – Implementation should be extended to FYE on or after 31 December 2029 to allow companies adequate preparation. MBAM was represented by Chairman of the Environment, Green Technology and Sustainability Committee cum Deputy President, Kenneth Liew, alongside committee members and the MBAM Secretariat. Bursa Malaysia representatives included Executive Vice President, Corporate Surveillance & Governance, Mohamad Azhar Mohamed Hamidi; Senior Vice President, Corporate Governance & Sustainability, Michelle Tog Phui Quan; General Manager, Corporate Governance, Securities Commission Malaysia, Nadia Zainuddin; and Deputy General Manager, Audit Oversight Board, Yam Kok Wing. Engagement Session with Bursa Malaysia on the National Sustainability Reporting Framework 24 NOVEMBER 2024 54 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Visits & Dialogues VD Tripartite Engagement Session 2024 & Ceremony on Exchange of MoU 4 DECEMBER 2024 MBAM Meeting with CIDB Malaysia on Collaboration for ISO 37001 Roadshow Training 16 DECEMBER 2024 The engagement session and ceremony, organised by the Department of Skills Development (JPK), took place at Sama-Sama Hotel and was officiated by the Human Resources Ministry Secretary- General, Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof. Human Resources Development (HRD) Committee Member, Khairatul Akhmam, was also in attendance. The sharing session, conducted by Ts Nurhayati bt Niaz Ahmad from the Planning, Development, and International Division, focused on the recognition of high-level competence through the Malaysian Skills Certification System (SPKM). JPK proposed amendments to Act 652 by introducing three new levels to the existing five levels of the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM). These new levels—Skill Specialist (Level 6), Senior Skills Specialist (Level 7), and Skill Consultant (Level 8)—would require extensive experience, demonstrated achievements, high competence, and specific skill sets. They cannot be obtained through academic qualifications alone. YBrs Ts Zuleah bt Darsong, Director General of the Department of Skills Development, presented the outcomes of the Tripartite Engagement Session held across Malaysia this year. The session examined the labour market landscape and anticipated changes over the next five years. Findings highlighted a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in Green Technology, the high costs associated with adopting new technologies, and limited awareness of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). To address these challenges, several recommendations were made. A Centre of Excellence in Technology should be established to support innovation and skills development. Integrated citizen data could be used to identify critical job roles and necessary skills. Tax incentives and grants should be introduced to support micro-credential training. Additionally, incorporating virtual reality (VR) technology into education and training programmes would enhance learning experiences and improve workforce readiness. MBAM President Oliver HC Wee, Director of OAKS Consultants Alan Kiruparan, and MBAM General Manager Lenny Lim met with CIDB Malaysia Senior Manager Faradhila Zakbah, along with several CIDB officers, at CIDB’s office in The MET. The meeting focused on exploring collaboration opportunities for the ISO 37001 Roadshow Training. Roundtable 20 & Proposal for an Act For The Management Of Projects In Malaysia Under the Ministry of Works 16 DECEMBER 2024 MBAM Deputy President Kenneth Liew (far right) at the Roundtable 55 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Visits & Dialogues VD through internal consultations, market analysis, and trend forecasting. If a proposed skill area does not align with national priorities, the committee will review and prioritise those that meet market demands and national development goals. Nominations will remain open until 17 January 2025, with the selection process expected to conclude by the end of February 2025 (subject to change). Once nominations are finalised, the committee will contact selected nominees for submission of required documents. The TMT programme is tentatively set to commence in March 2025, offering workshops, certifications, and exposure to global best practices. The programme will provide access to relevant training and professional development, ensure alignment with evolving market demands, and enhance the quality of training providers and trainers while supporting HRD Corp’s goal of delivering high-quality, industry-specific training. The Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp) held an engagement session at Sofitel Hotel, focusing on its new programme, Training Market Transformation (TMT). The session was attended by MBAM Secretary-General Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, and Executive Officer Nur Firzanah. The TMT programme aims to upskill HRD Corp- registered trainers and training providers by enhancing their industry-specific expertise, professional certifications, and global exposure. It seeks to bridge skills gaps and prepare the workforce for future demands by strengthening sector-specific training. Through industry collaboration, TMT ensures Malaysia remains competitive and aligned with global standards. Training providers and trainers can participate through nominations made by appointed industry representatives. HRD Corp has provided a link for STC chairpersons and members to submit nominations. Industry stakeholders will identify critical skill areas Engagement Session with Datuk Wira Shahul Dawood, CEO of HRD Corp, on Training Market Transformation 18 DECEMBER 2024 56Visits & Dialogues VD Meeting with CIDB on CIDB SCORE 6 DECEMBER 2024 Meeting with One-Stop Centre on Foreign Worker Unit 2 DECEMBER 2024 MBAM met with the One-Stop Centre (OSC) Foreign Worker Unit of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The meeting was chaired by Section Deputy Secretary, Tuan Adam bin Abu Hanipah, and attended by MBAM Secretary-General cum Chairman of the Human Resources Development (HRD) Committee, Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, along with HRD Committee Members, Tang Juang Yew, Foo Chek Lee, and Mazlan Haron. Representing the MBAM Secretariat were Lee Siew Mei and Shirley Foo. The discussion focused on foreign worker issues, particularly the quota opening for government projects on a case-by-case basis. The application process and common challenges faced were reviewed, along with the role of CLAB in supplying both foreign and local labour to the construction industry. MBAM also proposed initiatives such as a Check-Out Memo (COM) replacement to ensure a steady workforce in the private sector. MBAM met with CIDB’s Contractor & Construction Personnel Development Sector to discuss CIDB SCORE and obtain information on the Multi-Tier Levy Mechanism, which is scheduled for implementation next year. Attendees included MBAM Human Resources Development Committee Chairman, Datuk Astaman, along with Committee Members, Khairatul Akhmam and Mazlan Haron. Representing the MBAM Secretariat were Executive Director Loh Mei Ling, General Manager Lee Siew Mei, and Assistant Manager Shirley Foo. During the meeting, concerns were raised about smaller contractors, particularly sub-contractors, struggling to achieve a 4- or 5-star SCORE rating due to the difficulty of meeting current requirements. MBAM proposed that CIDB offer additional benefits to encourage companies to achieve higher ratings and suggested including SCORE ratings in “Pencarian Kontraktor” for easier reference. CIDB acknowledged these suggestions and stated that they are considering offering additional benefits for companies with higher ratings. Efforts are also underway to enhance their evaluation system to better accommodate contractors of different specialities and sizes. Additionally, CIDB is working on integrating SCORE ratings into its website. Regarding the Multi-Tier Levy Mechanism, CIDB confirmed that there are no updates from KESUMA on its implementation, initially set for January 2025. MBAM will be kept informed of any developments. MBAM Council Member Lee Chee Wai Meeting and Strategic Session for Construction and Built Environment Productivity Nexus 2/2024 17 DECEMBER 2024 57 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #134Next >