March 2022 President Website Message
March 2022 signals the coming of end of the first quarter of 2022 and as we all know the construction industry is still dealing with the continuous impact of COVID-19.
Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) opines that the minimum wage and electricity tariff to remain in view of current economy state and pandemic. Further cost increase in doing business can severely impact the construction economy. The effect of this will mainly affect the operation of smaller contractors in the G1-G4 category. We do understand the need to address the increase in cost of living brought about by the pandemic and disruptions in global supply chain, but the proposal to increase the minimum wage and electricity tariff at this point in time is not well received by the industry. Construction businesses are focusing on finishing up delayed projects while minimising the impact of thinning profit. If the Government, by hook or by crook, must increase the minimum wage and electricity tariff, we seek for Government’s consideration to postpone to next two years to accommodate to the industry’s stability and capability. The increase of minimum wage must be based on productivity or output.
MBAM and PUO have enjoyed a long-standing relationship. The signing of the NoC on 23 February 2022 commits both organisations to continuously work together closely towards the common goal to strengthen and enhance collaborative activities between Polytechnic Institutions and Industry in human capital development within the Malaysian construction industry. The signing of NoC of two years duration is a renewal of collaboration between MBAM and PUO. MBAM was represented for the signing by MBAM President, Tan Sri Sufri Haji Mhd Zin, and PUO by its Director, Ts. Haji Mohd Fizal Bin Haroon. The signing of the Note of Collaboration which took place in MBAM Training Centre was also witnessed by Chairman of MBAM Education & Special Institutions Committee, Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz and Deputy Director of Academic of PUO, Ts. Dr Izwah Binti Ismail, MBAM companies participating in the signing ceremony and invited attendees.
We are excited to be working with the PUO team and we look forward to further benefit MBAM members by providing quality educational programmes to upskill the knowledge and abilities of our members as well as to catalyse industry-academia knowledge sharing. Talent development through education-related initiatives is among the ways we contribute to nation-building and bring betterment to the construction economy. It is hoped that these efforts will help build a sustainable talent pipeline for the construction industry.
Since our first signing of NoC in year 2015, both organisations have collaborated on six cohorts starting 2016 to provide an opportunity for undergraduates of the Bachelor in Civil Engineering Technology (BCT) to undergo the WBL with MBAM member companies. Through the collaboration in the last 6 years, we have provided placements for 120 excellent undergraduates.
This year under the 7th Cohort, there will be 26 BCT undergraduates participating in the WBL programme over the duration of collaboration starting 20 September 2021 until 25 June 2022. 13 MBAM member companies will be involved in the signing and with the undergraduates’ placement in MBAM member companies, the undergraduates will be able to apply their knowledge and skills acquired in their tertiary education in the workplace.
I hope all of you will continue to stay safe and reach for the stars despite the challenges! God bless!
Tan Sri Sufri Hj Mhd Zin PSM, SSAP, DPTJ
President, MBAM